a cautious question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cautious question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is asked carefully or with hesitation, often to avoid offending or upsetting someone. Example: "She posed a cautious question about the project's timeline, unsure of how the team would react to potential delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For decades, Kerry Emanuel, the meteorologist and hurricane specialist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was known as a cautious centrist on questions of global warming and hurricane ferocity.

The New York Times - Science

The fallout is still apparent, almost a decade on, and prompts a cautious response to the question of whether she wants to aim for Rio 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

10.00am: St Paul's Cathedral have give a cautious response to the question as to why protesters were removed from the steps of the cathedral (the steps were not covered by the court order obtained by the City of London Corporation).

The Guardian

And does it make sense to tighten monetary and fiscal policy as much as the Fund is demanding?The answer to the first question is a cautious yes.

The Economist

But since then, a new council has taken office, and the members have taken what one councilman called a cautious approach to the whole question.

Los Angeles Times

Still, there remains the nagging question: why would a cautious politician leave a job in which he is courted by financiers from every part of the world, for an arduous and uncertain campaign?

The New York Times

After a yearlong debate over whether grade inflation exists at Harvard, and whether -- if it does -- it blurs the distinction between truly excellent students and those who are merely good, a committee of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences came back with a cautious answer of yes to both questions.

The New York Times

Based on many qualifying comments received to this question, it is clear most units take a cautious approach to peripheral TPN.

BMC Pediatrics

Keith Alexander as Blake, a cautious junior agent of BISHOP, who has speaking roles in three episodes ("A Question of Miracles", "Last Train to Bufflers Halt" and "The Cure").

Wikipedia

Moreover, a cautious interpretation of these results is required since we only have one knowledge question.

Electoral Studies

A relatively recent review answered the question whether old age reduces the risk of anxiety and depression, with a cautious yes [ 17].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cautious question" when you want to emphasize the careful or hesitant manner in which someone is asking something, often to avoid offense or negative repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a cautious question" when a straightforward, direct inquiry is more appropriate. Overusing caution can make you seem evasive or untrustworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cautious question" functions as a noun phrase, where "cautious" modifies the noun "question". It describes the manner in which a question is posed, implying care and hesitancy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cautious question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a question posed with care and hesitancy, often to avoid offense or negative consequences. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage is relatively rare. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, where sensitivity and tact are valued. When choosing to use this phrase, consider whether the situation truly warrants a cautious approach, or if a more direct inquiry would be more appropriate. Remember that while caution can be valuable, it can also be perceived as evasiveness if overused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hesitant question

Directly conveys the lack of confidence or reluctance in asking.

a tentative question

Emphasizes the hesitance and uncertainty in asking the question.

a carefully worded question

Highlights the deliberate choice of words to avoid causing offense or misunderstanding.

a circumspect inquiry

Highlights the prudence and careful consideration involved in the question.

a prudent question

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment in asking the question.

a guarded query

Suggests a protective or reserved manner in posing the question.

a sensitive question

Emphasizes the delicate nature of the topic being questioned.

a discreet question

Focuses on the tact and sensitivity in asking the question.

a wary question

Implies a sense of watchfulness or suspicion behind the question.

a diplomatic question

Suggests the question is posed with the intention of maintaining good relations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cautious question" to describe an inquiry made with care to avoid upsetting or offending someone. For example, "She posed a cautious question about the budget cuts, unsure of how the team would react."

What are some alternatives to "a cautious question"?

You can use alternatives like "a tentative question", "a circumspect inquiry", or "a discreet question" depending on the context.

Is it better to ask "a cautious question" or a direct question?

It depends on the situation. A direct question is suitable when clarity and efficiency are paramount. "A cautious question" is preferable when sensitivity and tact are needed to avoid conflict or offense.

What's the difference between "a cautious question" and "an inquisitive question"?

"A cautious question" emphasizes the careful and hesitant nature of the inquiry, while "an inquisitive question" highlights the curiosity and desire for information driving the question.