What Is Another Way to Say “Ask Questions”?

Looking for synonyms for ask questions? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say ask questions.

  • Inquire
  • Query
  • Interrogate
  • Probe
  • Grill
  • Quiz
  • Investigate
  • Seek information
  • Solicit information
  • Request clarification
  • Examine
  • Interview
  • Cross-examine
  • Pry
  • Delve into

Want to learn how to say ask questions professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Inquire

Appropriate in formal and informal settings when seeking information or clarification.
Example: “I would like to inquire about the status of my application.”

2. Query

Used primarily in written communications or formal contexts to ask for specific information.
Example: “Please query the database for the latest sales figures.”

3. Interrogate

Appropriate in a context where detailed information is sought under scrutiny, often in legal or investigative scenarios.
Example: “The detective will interrogate the suspect regarding the events of last night.”

4. Probe

Used when asking a series of questions to uncover deep or hidden information, often in research or interviews.
Example: “The journalist decided to probe further into the company’s financial discrepancies.”

5. Grill

Informal, implying a rigorous and thorough questioning, often in a challenging or confrontational manner.
Example: “The committee will grill the candidate on their knowledge of policy issues.”

6. Quiz

Can be informal, often used in educational contexts or to test knowledge in a less formal setting.
Example: “The trainer will quiz the employees on safety protocols.”

7. Investigate

Implies a systematic approach to asking questions or gathering information, often in a formal or professional context.
Example: “We need to investigate the customer complaints to understand the issue fully.”

8. Seek information

A general term for the process of asking questions to gain knowledge or data.
Example: “Please seek information from the supplier about the delivery timeline.”

9. Solicit information

Used when actively requesting information from others, often in a professional or formal context.
Example: “We should solicit information from all departments for the annual report.”

10. Request clarification

Appropriate in situations where there is confusion or a need for additional details.
Example: “Could you request clarification on the project requirements from the client?”

11. Examine

Often used in formal or academic contexts, implying a detailed investigation through questioning.
Example: “The review board will examine the witness to establish the timeline of events.”

12. Interview

Used in professional settings, such as job interviews or media, to gather information through a structured series of questions.
Example: “We will interview several candidates for the position next week.”

13. Cross-examine

Specific to legal contexts, where a witness is questioned closely by the opposing side to test their evidence or statements.
Example: “The defense attorney will cross-examine the prosecution’s key witness.”

14. Pry

Implies an attempt to obtain information that is not readily offered, often seen as intrusive.
Example: “It’s not appropriate to pry into the financial affairs of our clients without a valid reason.”

15. Delve into

Suggests an in-depth exploration or investigation through questioning or research.
Example: “The auditor will delve into the company’s records to verify the accounts.”

Linda Brown