a clear cut question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear cut question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is straightforward and unambiguous. Example: "In order to get the best results, we need to ask a clear cut question that everyone can understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Generally speaking how would you rate the condition of Delaware's economy... excellent, good, not so good, or poor?" This seems like a clear cut question, but the topline response categories presented by Pulse raise some addition concerns.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And Italian premier Mario Monti said he believed the British people would choose to remain within the union when presented with such a "clear-cut question".

BBC

"Many of the requests we've had so far are straightforward – a clear cut accept or reject – while others raise complex legal and ethical questions," he added.

The Guardian - Tech

"We believe we have a clear cut case.

BBC

Louis' story has a clear cut progression.

Vice

A clear question would cut to the core issue: "Describe your experience with a highly stressful situation in the workplace and how you dealt with it".

WikiHow

Follow their lead on this clear-cut question of gravest national importance, so Labour fights unequivocally to do all it can to save Britain from this Tory-made calamity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The matter of lungs are a little more clear cut.

Yale University

Often this recognition is feared to delay or make the transition to development less clear cut, or even could raise questions about the legitimacy of development-oriented arrangements that coincide with potential vested interests of the existing system and state institutions.

Conflict and Health

When religions make decrees and proclamations in terms of "male" and "female", it is inconvenient when gender is not clear cut, but mustn't the essential question, "Who is human?", override "Who is a man or a woman?" If religions cannot grapple with such an appropriate question, then how valid can we hold such religions?

Huffington Post

I think though that this is an interesting topic to bring up as there is no clear cut answer to the "Club or Country" question.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When formulating survey questions or interview prompts, strive for clarity and directness. Using "a clear cut question" ensures participants understand what's being asked, leading to more accurate and relevant responses.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary jargon or complex phrasing when posing "a clear cut question". The goal is to elicit a direct response, not to confuse the respondent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear cut question" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "question". It describes the question as being straightforward and unambiguous. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear cut question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a straightforward and unambiguous query. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While alternatives like "a straightforward question" or "an unambiguous question" exist, the phrase is versatile and effective in ensuring clear communication. Remember to avoid overcomplicating your questions with unnecessary jargon and focus on directness to elicit the most accurate responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward question

Emphasizes the simplicity and ease of understanding of the question.

an unambiguous question

Highlights the lack of multiple interpretations or uncertainties in the question.

a simple question

Focuses on the lack of complexity in the question.

a direct question

Indicates that the question is to the point and avoids unnecessary details.

a plain question

Stresses the lack of artifice or hidden meaning in the question.

a well-defined question

Highlights the precision and clarity of the question's scope.

a precise question

Indicates that the question is formulated with accuracy and attention to detail.

an explicit question

Highlights that the question is expressed directly and openly.

a black and white question

Emphasizes that the question has a binary answer, either yes or no with no possible shades in between.

a cut and dried question

Emphasizes that the question has an obvious answer with no need for further discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear cut question" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear cut question" to describe a query that is straightforward and unambiguous. For example: "The lawyer presented "a clear cut question" to the witness."

What can I say instead of "a clear cut question"?

You can use alternatives like "a straightforward question", "an unambiguous question", or "a simple question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a clear cut question" or "a clear-cut question"?

Both "a clear cut question" and "a clear-cut question" are acceptable. The hyphenated version, "a clear-cut question", is slightly more formal.

What makes "a clear cut question" effective?

A "clear cut question" is effective because it minimizes confusion and allows for direct and concise answers, improving communication and understanding.