Prompts a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Prompts a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that leads to or encourages inquiry or further thought. Example: "The unexpected results of the experiment prompts a question about the validity of our initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Prompts a question, doesn't it?

Independent

Jeff Wise's recent piece about his obsession with the disappearance, almost a year ago, of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 prompts a question: Which is more chilling, the fact that a Boeing 777 could vanish without a trace, or the countless hours cable-news networks spent covering the story?

The New Yorker

By Andrea DenHoed March 1, 2015 Jeff Wise's recent piece about his obsession with the disappearance, almost a year ago, of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 prompts a question: Which is more chilling, the fact that a Boeing 777 could vanish without a trace, or the countless hours cable-news networks spent covering the story?

The New Yorker

Which prompts a question.

The Economist

This prompts a question.

The Guardian

But it prompts a question.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This prompted a question: investment grade according to whom?

The New York Times - Magazine

It has also prompted a question that has been lingering for a month.

The New York Times - Sports

That assertion prompted a question from Councilman Daniel Dromm, who asked whether officers had cataloged the city's Irish, as well.

The New York Times

That prompted a question: Has he made more from the building than he has made from pianos?

The New York Times

Pornography was rampant, prompting a question Mr. Shata had never heard in Egypt: Is oral sex lawful?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prompts a question" when you want to highlight that a statement, event, or observation naturally leads to further inquiry. It's effective in analytical writing to set up a discussion point.

Common error

Avoid using "begs the question" interchangeably with "prompts a question". "Begs the question" refers to a logical fallacy where an argument assumes the conclusion it's trying to prove, which is different from simply raising a question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prompts a question" functions as a transitional device in writing and speech. It introduces an inquiry or sets the stage for further discussion by indicating that a preceding statement or situation naturally leads to a question. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prompts a question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an inquiry, bridging a statement and a subsequent point of consideration. Ludwig confirms its correctness and notes its use across various reputable sources. While more frequent in News & Media, the phrase also appears in academic and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for analytical writing. Remember to avoid confusing it with "begs the question", which has a distinct meaning related to logical fallacies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Raises a question

Replaces 'prompts' with 'raises', maintaining the same meaning of initiating an inquiry.

Invites a question

Substitutes 'prompts' with 'invites', suggesting that something encourages questioning.

Gives rise to a question

Emphasizes the causal aspect, indicating that something leads to a question.

Leads to a question

Similar to 'gives rise to', but with a slightly more direct sense of causation.

Poses a question

Focuses on the act of presenting a question for consideration.

Begs the question

Indicates that something assumes the conclusion it is trying to prove; should be used carefully to avoid misuse.

Provokes an inquiry

Uses 'provokes' to suggest a stronger reaction or a more formal investigation.

Suggests a question

Implies that something subtly hints at or brings a question to mind.

Calls forth a question

A more emphatic way of saying that something evokes a question.

Enkindles a question

Uses 'enkindles' to suggest that something ignites or inspires a question.

FAQs

What does "prompts a question" mean?

It means that something causes or encourages a question to be asked or considered. It suggests that an idea, situation, or statement naturally leads one to inquire further.

How can I use "prompts a question" in a sentence?

Example: "The new data on climate change "prompts a question" about the effectiveness of current policies."

What can I say instead of "prompts a question"?

You can use alternatives like "raises a question", "invites a question", or "leads to a question", depending on the specific context. /s/raises+a+question "invites a question" leads to a question

Is it correct to say "prompt a question"?

No, the correct form is "prompts a question" when referring to a singular subject causing the question. "Prompt a question" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.