Definition

1. Noun:
   • A systematic series of questions: A "line of questioning" is a planned sequence of inquiries designed to explore a specific topic or develop a particular argument. It implies a logical progression from one question to the next to uncover information or build a case.

Usage

• This term is primarily used in formal or professional contexts such as legal proceedings, interviews, investigations, debates, and academic research.
• It describes the strategic approach or the thematic thread connecting a series of questions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The lawyer's aggressive line of questioning aimed to undermine the witness's credibility.
  • During the press conference, the journalist followed a clear line of questioning about the economic policy.
  • The detective pursued a new line of questioning based on the fresh evidence.

Advanced Usage

• "To pursue a line of questioning": To continue asking questions on a specific track or theme.
  • The committee decided to pursue that line of questioning in the next hearing.
• "A particular line of questioning": A specific, defined series of questions.
  • The interview took an unexpected turn with this particular line of questioning.

Variants and Related Words

• Questioning (n): The act of asking questions.
  • The suspect was taken in for questioning.
• Line of inquiry (n): Very similar to "line of questioning," often used interchangeably. It can sometimes imply a broader investigative path that includes actions beyond just asking questions.
  • The police are exploring every possible line of inquiry.

Synonyms

• Interrogation strategy: The planned method of asking questions.
• Questioning approach: The manner or technique used in asking a series of questions.
• Sequence of questions: A number of questions asked in a specific order.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• A train of thought: While not identical, this idiom relates to the connected progression of ideas, similar to how a "line of questioning" represents a connected progression of questions.
  • Your question interrupted my train of thought.

Noun

1. an ordering of questions so as to develop a particular argument