a clear question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is straightforward and easy to understand. Example: "In order to get the best response, make sure to ask a clear question during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Banks said the Hurell-Harring case raised a clear question for the courts — "whether Gideon and the right to counsel has meaning or not".

The New York Times

This says that Quebec, or any other province, could secede from Canada only if a "clear" majority voted yes to a "clear" question (neither is defined).

The Economist

The meaning of both a "clear question" and a "clear majority" is left unspecified in the act, to be interpreted by the supreme court".

The Guardian

But that decision raises a clear question: Can any religious person who owns a company refuse to pay for insurance that would cover any health-care procedure or device that he or she doesn't believe in?

The New Yorker

But on Tuesday, lawyers for TCW, as Trust Company of the West is known, tried to boil the corporate divorce case down to a clear question of right versus wrong.

The New York Times

From the director's point of view, the dispute was a clear question of the composer having directly gone against his wishes: Hitchcock specified from the start that he wanted an upbeat, jazzy score that would appeal to younger audiences.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In a follow-up survey, Roper asked a clearer question, and the number of doubters plunged from the original 22percentto1percentcent.

The New York Times

But then, you just have a very clear question of constitutional law.

Vice

Mr President, I put a very clear question: the Dutch presidency apparently wants the EU to join Eurocontrol, as such, whilst paragraph 17 of the report refers to a new organization.

EU Parlament

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

As Canada did with Quebec in its 2000 Clarity Act, it should insist on a fair process in any vote a clear question that gets a clear answer, in other words.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When formulating questions, especially in professional or academic settings, ensure they are phrased to be "a clear question" to avoid ambiguity and elicit precise responses.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or convoluted language that obscures the intent of the question. Prioritize simplicity and directness to ensure it remains "a clear question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear question" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a verb. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. It is designed to highlight the importance of understandable and unambiguous inquiries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clear question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase emphasizing the importance of understandable and unambiguous inquiries. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. To ensure effective communication, prioritize clarity and precision when framing your questions and be mindful of potential ambiguities. Remember to avoid overly complex language and tailor your questions to your audience for best results. Alternatives like "a straightforward question" or "an unambiguous question" can also effectively convey this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward question

Replaces "clear" with "straightforward", emphasizing the simplicity and directness of the question.

an unambiguous question

Substitutes "clear" with "unambiguous", highlighting the lack of potential for misinterpretation.

a well-defined question

Replaces "clear" with "well-defined", focusing on the precision and specificity of the question.

a precise question

Replaces "clear" with "precise", indicating the exactness and accuracy of the question.

a simple question

Replaces "clear" with "simple", highlighting the ease of understanding the question.

an obvious question

Substitutes "clear" with "obvious", suggesting the question is easily apparent or predictable.

a distinct question

Replaces "clear" with "distinct", focusing on the uniqueness and clarity of the question.

a lucid question

Replaces "clear" with "lucid", emphasizing the ease of understanding and transparency of the question.

a transparent question

Substitutes "clear" with "transparent", indicating that the underlying intent or purpose is readily apparent.

a plain question

Replaces "clear" with "plain", implying simplicity and lack of ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I ensure I am asking "a clear question"?

To ensure you're asking "a clear question", use straightforward language, avoid jargon, and focus on a single, specific point. Before asking, consider if someone unfamiliar with the topic could easily understand the question.

What are some alternatives to saying "a clear question"?

You can use alternatives like "a straightforward question", "an unambiguous question", or "a well-defined question" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "a clear question" and "a simple question"?

While both suggest ease of understanding, "a clear question" focuses on the absence of ambiguity, while "a simple question" emphasizes a lack of complexity. Something can be simple yet unclear, or clear but not necessarily simple.

When is it most important to formulate "a clear question"?

It's crucial to formulate "a clear question" in any situation where precise communication is essential, such as in research, legal proceedings, or technical discussions. Clarity avoids misunderstandings and ensures accurate responses.