Cool MateInterrogation vs Query
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Interrogation
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Query
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Most formal: InterrogationMost common: Query
| Interrogation | Query | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪnˌtɛrəˈɡeɪʃən//🇺🇸 //ɪnˌtɜːrɪˈɡeɪʃən// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkwɪəri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkwɪri/"]/ |
| Meaning | Asking someone many questions to get information. | A question you ask to get information. |
| Example | The police conducted a thorough interrogation of the suspect. | Our assistants will be happy to answer your queries. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | police interrogation, long interrogation, intense interrogation, interrogation techniques, hostile interrogation | customer, email, search, have, raise, email, query about, query as to, query concerning |
| Antonyms | silence, calmness | answer, response, reply |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'interrogate' which is the verb form., Using it in informal settings where simpler terms like 'questioning' are better., Assuming it's always negative; it can be neutral in investigative contexts. | Confused with 'inquiry', thinking they mean the same., Using 'query' in very casual situations where 'ask' would be better., Incorrectly using 'query' with a subject instead of an object. |
| Usage notes | Used mainly in legal contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. It implies a serious or intense questioning. | Use 'query' when asking for detailed information, especially in formal contexts like research or databases. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'question' might fit better. |
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Frequently asked questions: Interrogation vs Query
What's the difference between Interrogation and Query?
Interrogation: Asking someone many questions to get information. Query: A question you ask to get information.
Which is more formal: Interrogation and Query?
Interrogation is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Interrogation and Query?
Query is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Interrogation: The police conducted a thorough interrogation of the suspect. Query: Our assistants will be happy to answer your queries.
Can I use Interrogation and Query interchangeably?
Not always. Interrogation and Query 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.