a common question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is frequently asked or widely recognized. Example: "One common question that arises during interviews is about the candidate's strengths and weaknesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A common question, whether a school is or isn't a Common App member, asks why a students is applying to that particular school.

Huffington Post

A common question concerns the money.

The Economist

It's a common question to comedy writers.

The New York Times

The humane euthanasia of fishes is also a common question.

The New York Times

MICHAEL SPECTER: I have a feeling this is a common question.

The New Yorker

Running through those vignettes is a common question: what's an online friendship worth?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Why would sick people be allowed cannabis but not well people?" is a common question.

The Guardian - Opinion

The city's ego – a common question posed on Friday was 'he's leaving Miami for Cleveland?

The Guardian - Sport

But a common question is how much you should have on hand.

The New York Times

This is a common question about almost any science not related to deadly diseases, but not a really good one.

The New York Times

"A common question people would ask is 'Are you a better doctor since you've been sick?' " Dr. Raber said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a common question", provide context or background information to clarify its relevance for your audience.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "a common question". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a topic frequently asked or discussed. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It serves to highlight a query that is generally known or often raised.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

HuffPost

5%

TechCrunch

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common question" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a query that is frequently asked or widely recognized. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to highlight a topic of general interest. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts. While versatile, remember to vary sentence structure to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as "a frequently asked question" or "a typical inquiry" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a frequently asked question

This alternative emphasizes the frequency with which the question is posed.

a recurring query

This alternative uses a more formal tone, highlighting the repeated nature of the question.

a typical inquiry

This alternative focuses on the question being representative or standard.

a prevalent question

This alternative suggests that the question is widespread or common at a particular time.

a general question

This alternative implies that the question is broad and applicable to many situations.

a standard question

This alternative suggests that the question is part of a routine or established process.

a usual question

This alternative emphasizes the ordinariness or expected nature of the question.

a widespread concern

This alternative shifts the focus to the underlying concern that the question represents.

a familiar question

This alternative highlights that the question is well-known or recognized.

a frequent topic

This alternative broadens the scope to include any subject of repeated discussion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a common question"?

Alternatives include "a frequently asked question", "a recurring query", or "a typical inquiry", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a common question" in formal writing?

Yes, "a common question" is generally suitable for formal writing. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "a recurring query" or "a prevalent question" in highly formal contexts.

How to use "a common question" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a query that many people have, such as: "A common question is whether the new policy will affect employee benefits."

What's the difference between "a common question" and "a concern"?

"A common question" refers to a query or inquiry, while "a concern" refers to a worry or issue. While a question might stem from a concern, they are not interchangeable.