a direct question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a direct question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is straightforward and seeks a specific answer. Example: "When you ask for clarification, make sure to pose a direct question to avoid any confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A direct question, then.

The Guardian

But I'm asking you a direct question.

The New York Times

"That's a direct question!" she gasps.

The Guardian

"She told me, 'Dad they asked me a direct question.

The New York Times

Meeting with Panetta, he posed a direct question.

The New York Times - Magazine

So I interrupted with a direct question to Brooke.

The New York Times - Magazine

He can't lie when asked a direct question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Up until that point, I had only spoken when asked a direct question.

The Guardian

When asked a direct question, answer it succinctly rather than with waffle.

The Guardian

She did not say much, hardly spoke unless he asked a direct question.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

My original tactic calling customer service, asking a direct question had been naïve, too straightforward.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarity, prioritize posing "a direct question". It saves time and minimizes misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid burying the lead; don't frame a question in such a roundabout way that the actual inquiry is obscured. Always ensure your "a direct question" gets to the point efficiently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direct question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., ask, pose, answer). As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a straightforward inquiry. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, such as political interviews and personal interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direct question" is a commonly used phrase denoting a straightforward inquiry, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and serves the purpose of eliciting clear and unambiguous responses. While its register is generally neutral, its application spans a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. If you want to be concise and clear, using "a direct question" helps to save time and avoids misunderstandings, but avoid overly indirect phrasing so that the actual inquiry remains clear. Alternatives include phrases like "a straightforward question" or "a clear question", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward question

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of ambiguity in the inquiry.

a clear question

Focuses on the ease of understanding the question being posed.

a pointed question

Highlights the precision and relevance of the inquiry to a specific issue.

a candid question

Stresses the honesty and frankness of the question.

an explicit question

Indicates that the question is very clear and detailed, leaving no room for interpretation.

a blunt question

Highlights the directness of the question, potentially to the point of being impolite.

a probing question

Suggests the question is designed to uncover deeper or hidden information.

a specific question

Emphasizes that the question is focused on a particular detail or aspect.

an unambiguous question

Similar to a clear question but emphasizes the absence of multiple possible interpretations.

a targeted question

Highlights that the question is purposefully directed towards a certain individual or topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a direct question" to describe a straightforward inquiry. For example, "The interviewer asked "a direct question" about my salary expectations."

What is a synonym for "a direct question"?

Alternatives for "a direct question" include "a straightforward question", "a clear question", or "an explicit question".

Is it better to ask "a direct question" or an indirect one?

It depends on the situation. "A direct question" is best when you need a clear, concise answer. An indirect question may be better when you're trying to gather information without being confrontational.

When is it appropriate to use "a direct question"?

It's appropriate to use "a direct question" when you need a specific answer and want to avoid ambiguity or confusion. It's especially useful in interviews, investigations, and when seeking clarification.