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REFERENCE

interviewed

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɪntɝvˌjud// UK //ˈɪntəvjˌuːd// in·ter·viewed

v. to ask someone questions to see if they are right for a job or to get information for a news story. You usually do this in a formal meeting.

v. to conduct a formal meeting in which one person asks questions to assess a candidate's suitability for a role or to elicit information for broadcast or publication. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the person being questioned.


SIMPLE

The manager interviewed three candidates for the position today.

CONTEXTUAL

The journalist interviewed the local mayor to understand the new policy on public transport.

COMPLEX

After being interviewed by a panel of five senior executives, the applicant felt confident that her technical expertise had been thoroughly demonstrated through the rigorous questioning.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In passive constructions, it is often followed by 'for' to indicate the role or 'by' to indicate the questioner.

Pitfall

I was interviewed to the managerI was interviewed by the managerWhen describing who performed the interview in the passive voice, use the preposition 'by' rather than 'to'.

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