while questioning the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while questioning the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a process of inquiry or skepticism regarding a particular subject or idea. Example: "The researcher approached the topic while questioning the established theories in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

• To the Editor: Gary Schaub Jr. and James Forsyth Jr., while questioning the size of the United States nuclear arsenal, do not challenge its existence.

The New York Times

The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 July 1 1) sound interesting even while questioning the "believability" of the horrors I describe.

The New York Times - Books

One ball registered at 93mph, which raised eyebrows, though some of them went northwards while questioning the validity of the radar gun.

The Guardian - Sport

But while questioning the authenticity of the rich and famous is a standard pastime nowadays (just ask Paul McMullan, Marioo doesn't bother with any of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Robert Darnton, writing in The New York Review of Books, praised the book's "conceptual nimbleness" while questioning the idea that the French Revolution is a story of cluttered desks.

The New York Times - Books

Chinese athletes have been victims of double standards at the Olympics, the country's top official newspaper said today while questioning the expulsion of two of its players from the badminton tournament.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Between Two Windows by Oli Hazzard (Carcanet) is impressive in its formal assuredness and confidence of tone, all the while questioning what poetry is and does.

The Guardian - Books

In her video performance work from the early 90s and spanning over a decade, Donegan often used her own body to parody commercials and music videos, all the while questioning feminism and politics of self-representation.

Vice

It was not the only sign that recession-pummeled Americans are indulging in a romance with blue-collar trades, while also questioning the hollowness of white-collar work.

The New York Times

Today Mr McCain's campaign manager, in a backhanded compliment, called Mr Obama "the greatest fundraiser in presidential history", while also questioning the transparency of Mr Obama's efforts.

The Economist

While not questioning the validity of capital punishment, the court subjected states to important new limitations on how and on whom the ultimate penalty can be imposed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while questioning the" to introduce a contrasting or critical perspective alongside a presented fact or idea. It adds depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "while questioning the" as a standalone statement. It should always be coupled with a main clause that provides context for the questioning. For example, instead of just writing "While questioning the data", write "The team proceeded with the analysis while questioning the data's accuracy."

Linguistic Context

"While questioning the" serves as a conjunctional phrase, linking a clause of action or state with a clause expressing doubt or inquiry. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is used to introduce an element of skepticism or critical analysis alongside a presented fact or action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while questioning the" is a grammatically sound and commonly used conjunction phrase to introduce a critical or analytical perspective. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the subject being questioned is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember, "while questioning the" should be coupled with a main clause to provide adequate context. Alternatives like ""while challenging the"" or ""during the examination of"" offer similar but nuanced ways to express inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while challenging the

Substitutes "questioning" with "challenging", suggesting a more confrontational or argumentative approach.

whilst interrogating the

Replaces "questioning" with a more formal synonym, "interrogating", which implies a more direct or intense form of questioning.

while scrutinizing the

Replaces "questioning" with "scrutinizing", indicating a detailed and critical examination.

while probing the

Replaces "questioning" with "probing", which implies a thorough and investigative inquiry.

while expressing skepticism about the

Focuses on the expression of doubt or skepticism.

during the examination of

Offers a more formal and descriptive alternative, replacing "while questioning" with "during the examination of".

as they investigate the

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the act of investigation happening concurrently.

during the course of querying the

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "questioning" with "querying" and framing it as part of a larger course of action.

amidst inquiries into the

Uses a more formal and literary structure, suggesting that the questioning occurs within a broader context of inquiries.

in the process of doubting the

Emphasizes the act of doubting as an ongoing process.

FAQs

How can I use "while questioning the" in a sentence?

Use "while questioning the" to introduce a contrasting perspective or critical examination alongside another action or statement. For example: "The committee approved the budget, "while questioning the" long-term financial implications."

What are some alternatives to "while questioning the"?

Alternatives include "while challenging the", "during the examination of", or "as they investigate the". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to use "while questioning the" or "whilst questioning the"?

"While questioning the" and "whilst questioning the" are grammatically correct. "While" is more common in modern English, while "whilst" is often perceived as more formal or archaic but there's no substantial difference in meaning.

How does "while questioning the" differ from "without questioning the"?

"While questioning the" introduces doubt or scrutiny, whereas "without questioning the" implies acceptance or unquestioning agreement. They represent opposite stances toward a given subject.