You can use 'interrogate' in a sentence to describe the act of questioning someone thoroughly, often in a formal, official, or aggressive manner, with the aim of obtaining information.
Understanding the Verb 'Interrogate'
The verb interrogate (pronounced in-TER-uh-gayt) comes from Latin and primarily means to ask someone questions in a thorough and often forceful way, especially for a long time, to get information or a confession. This action is commonly associated with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, or other formal investigations.
Grammatical Usage and Forms
As a transitive verb, 'interrogate' always takes an object—the person being questioned. It can be used in both active and passive voice constructions.
| Form | Example Usage |
|---|---|
| Base Form | The police plan to interrogate the suspect. |
| Past Simple | She interrogated him for hours. |
| Past Participle | He had been interrogated many times. |
| Present Participle | The officer is interrogating a witness. |
| Third Person Singular | The detective often interrogates suspects. |
Practical Examples in Context
Here are several ways to use 'interrogate' in sentences, illustrating its common applications and forms:
- Active Voice (Subject performs the action):
- The detective had to interrogate the prime witness to understand the sequence of events.
- After the incident, journalists began to interrogate the spokesperson about the company's policy changes.
- Passive Voice (Object receives the action):
- The man was held and interrogated for five hours; he later believed the individuals questioning him were government agents. (This highlights the experience of the person being questioned.)
- She felt interrogated by her parents about her late arrival, even though they were just concerned.
- Using the Present Participle (as part of a continuous tense or as an adjective/gerund):
- The bill aims to establish clear guidelines, requiring intelligence agencies to abide by specific rules when interrogating prisoners, ensuring fair treatment. (Here, 'interrogating' acts as part of a gerund phrase.)
- The interrogating officer maintained a calm demeanor throughout the questioning. (Here, 'interrogating' functions as an adjective.)
Key Nuances and Best Practices
When using 'interrogate,' consider these aspects to ensure accurate and impactful communication:
- Formality and Intent: 'Interrogate' implies a more formal, serious, and often intense line of questioning than simply "asking" or "questioning." It usually suggests a deliberate attempt to extract information, often against resistance or in a coercive environment.
- Power Imbalance: There is typically a power dynamic where the interrogator holds authority over the person being interrogated.
- Context: While most commonly associated with legal or investigative contexts, it can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe very intense or persistent questioning in less formal settings, as seen in the example about parents.
Tips for Effective Usage:
- Choose 'interrogate' when questioning is intense: Reserve this verb for situations where the questioning is not casual but rather purposeful, sustained, and possibly confrontational.
- Specify the subject and object: Clearly identify who is doing the interrogating and who is being interrogated.
- Consider the voice: Use active voice (e.g., "The police interrogated him") when the interrogator's action is the focus. Use passive voice (e.g., "He was interrogated by the police") when the experience of the person being questioned is the main point.
For more detailed definitions and synonyms, consult a reputable dictionary such as Merriam-Webster.
