a correct question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a correct question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is grammatically or contextually appropriate. Example: "In order to clarify the topic, I need to ask a correct question that will lead to a better understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

WikiHow

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Whether or not the contestant gives a correct question for the Daily Double, the contestant maintains control of the board.

Wikipedia

A correct question increases your level, a wrong question takes you back to an easier level.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Mulroney said in the inquiry that he had not disclosed the extent of his relationship with Mr. Schreiber or revealed the payments because a government lawyer did not ask the "correct question," a position Justice Oliphant called "patently absurd".

The New York Times

This action-oriented perspective was expressed as follows in a 2007 editorial: 'The correct question is: Is there a rationale for withholding critical care resources from critically ill patients outside the intensive care unit?

BMJ Quality and Safety

OK, so 'a taxi driver' is a job so what's the correct question?

BBC

The correct question is not whether a president is "strong" or "weak," but whether his policies are effective.

The Guardian - Opinion

The correct question is how.

MIT Technology Review

Or, strictly speaking, the correct question.

The Economist

The correct question is: What is the national debt?

The New York Times

The correct question is not where, it is whether.

The Guardian - Opinion

The correct question is usually not, What works?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a correct question" to emphasize that the question being asked is not only grammatically sound but also relevant and appropriate for eliciting the desired information or response. It underscores the importance of asking questions that are well-formulated and pertinent to the context.

Common error

Ensure that when you use "a correct question", the context clarifies what makes the question 'correct'. Avoid using it in situations where 'correctness' is subjective or undefined, as this can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a correct question" functions as a noun phrase, where 'correct' modifies the noun 'question'. It identifies a question that is accurate, valid, or appropriate. The Ludwig AI examples show it used to discuss the importance of asking well-formulated questions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a correct question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a question that is accurate, valid, and appropriate. While relatively rare in occurrence, according to Ludwig, it finds its place across diverse contexts, including news, science and wiki. The phrase emphasizes the importance of well-formulated inquiries. Alternatives such as "an accurate question" or "a valid question" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired. Using the phrase thoughtfully and contextually enriches the clarity and relevance of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an accurate question

Replaces "correct" with "accurate", focusing on the factual correctness of the question.

a valid question

Substitutes "correct" with "valid", emphasizing the logical soundness and relevance of the question.

an appropriate question

Replaces "correct" with "appropriate", highlighting the suitability of the question in a particular situation.

a fitting question

Changes "correct" to "fitting", indicating the question is well-suited or pertinent.

a precise question

Replaces "correct" with "precise", stressing the clarity and exactness of the question.

a well-phrased question

Focuses on the quality of the wording and construction of the question.

an exact question

Emphasizes the accuracy and lack of ambiguity in the question.

a pertinent question

Highlights the relevance and importance of the question.

a relevant question

Focuses on the connection and applicability of the question to the subject matter.

the right question

Indicates that the question is the most suitable or effective one to ask.

FAQs

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

You can use "a correct question" to emphasize the importance of asking well-formulated and relevant questions. For example, "Asking "a correct question" is crucial for gathering accurate information".

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

You can use alternatives like "an accurate question", "a valid question", or "an appropriate question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a correct question" or "the correct question"?

Both "a correct question" and "the correct question" can be correct, but they imply different things. "A correct question" refers to any question that is accurate or appropriate. "The correct question" implies there is one specific question that is right in a given situation.

What's the difference between "a correct question" and "a relevant question"?

While both terms relate to good questioning, "a correct question" focuses on accuracy and validity, whereas "a relevant question" emphasizes the question's pertinence to the topic at hand. You might ask "a correct question" that is not particularly relevant, or vice versa.