Interrogate suspects vigorously vs Interview vs Question

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Interrogate suspects vigorously

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Interview

Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun

Question

Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
 Interrogate suspects vigorouslyInterviewQuestion
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ɪnˈtɛrəɡeɪt səsˈpɛkts ˈvɪgərəsli//🇺🇸 //ɪnˈtɛrəɡeɪt sʌsˈpɛkts ˈvɪɡərəsli//🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪntəvjuː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪntərvjuː/"]/🇬🇧 /["/ˈkwestʃən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkwestʃən/"]/
MeaningQuestion people to find out if they are guilty.A meeting where someone is asked questions to get a job.A sentence or phrase that asks for information.
ExampleThe police had to **interrogate suspects vigorously** to gather evidence.I have a job interview tomorrow at 10 AM.The teacher asked a difficult question during the exam.
RegisterNeutralNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A1A1
Part of speechnounnoun
Collocationsvigorously interrogate, interrogate suspects, vigorously question, interrogate a witness, interrogate someoneface-to-face, in-person, one-on-one, carry out, conduct, do, room, panel, techniques, in an/​the interview, interview about, interview between, a round of interviews, face-to-face, in-person, one-on-one, carry out, conduct, do, room, panel, techniques, in an/​the interview, interview about, interview between, a round of interviews, face-to-face, in-person, one-on-one, carry out, conduct, do, room, panel, techniques, in an/​the interview, interview about, interview between, a round of interviewsawkward, difficult, embarrassing, ask (somebody), have, address, question about, question as to, question concerning to, awkward, difficult, embarrassing, ask (somebody), have, address, question about, question as to, question concerning to, burning, challenging, controversial, bring up, pose, raise, arise, go unanswered, remain unanswered, question about, question for, question of, come into, call into, be open to, beyond question, in question, without question
Antonyms-dismissal, rejectionanswer, solution
Common mistakesUsing 'interrogate' without an object (e.g., 'interrogate vigorously' without specifying who)., Confusing 'interrogate' with 'interview' which has a less forceful connotation.Confusing 'interview' as a verb and a noun., Using a plural form incorrectly (e.g., 'interviews' when discussing one instance)., Not pairing the word properly with prepositions (e.g., saying 'interview for a job' instead of 'interview with a company').Confusing 'question' with 'query' in formal contexts., Using 'questions' as a singular noun, e.g., 'I have a question' instead of 'I have questions.'
Usage notesThis phrase is typically used in law enforcement contexts. It may sound too aggressive if used casually.Use 'interview' in job contexts or when talking about a conversation where questions are asked. Avoid using it in casual situations not related to job hiring.Use 'question' in both formal and informal settings. It's appropriate in classrooms, interviews, and casual conversations. Avoid using in situations where a statement is expected.

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Interrogate suspects vigorously
Question

Frequently asked questions: Interrogate suspects vigorously vs Interview vs Question

What's the difference between Interrogate suspects vigorously, Interview, and Question?

Interrogate suspects vigorously: Question people to find out if they are guilty. Interview: A meeting where someone is asked questions to get a job. Question: A sentence or phrase that asks for information.

Can you show an example of each?

Interrogate suspects vigorously: The police had to **interrogate suspects vigorously** to gather evidence. Interview: I have a job interview tomorrow at 10 AM. Question: The teacher asked a difficult question during the exam.

Can I use Interrogate suspects vigorously, Interview, and Question interchangeably?

Not always. Interrogate suspects vigorously, Interview, and Question are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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