What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
interrogation
Example
The suspect was subjected to hours of interrogation by the police. [interrogation: noun]
Example
The interrogator used various techniques to extract information from the prisoner. [interrogator: noun]
questioning
Example
The teacher encouraged questioning in the classroom to promote critical thinking. [questioning: noun]
Example
The journalist conducted a questioning of the politician on live TV. [questioning: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Questioning is more commonly used than interrogation in everyday language. Questioning is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while interrogation is more specific and often associated with formal or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between interrogation and questioning?
Interrogation is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while questioning can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be more versatile and flexible in its usage.