a facile question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a facile question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is easy to answer or overly simplistic, often implying that it lacks depth or complexity. Example: "While some may find it challenging, I believe it's just a facile question that anyone can answer with a bit of thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is not a facile question.

The Economist

This is not a facile question, aside from the obvious public interest (when was the last time you saw a report on a new dinosaur that didn't suggest how long it was, if only in terms of double decker buses?).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some people see a weekly cycle in politics, driven by the remorseless polling, endlessly analysed in the press and on television with facile answers to the facile question, "Who won the week?".

The Economist

I ask whether the process get easier, and my rather facile question is answered with her dazzling smile: "No, You would think after doing this for so many years it would get easier.

Independent

Facile questions are no fun – contestants want to feel some achievement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These facile questions arrive from patronising attitudes as unkind and crass as the caricatured relationships they pretend to expose.

The Guardian

A facile answer to this question has been provided by Valach 86) in section 7.4 above, but a more profound discussion is given in the paper by Adams 79) described in section 7.3.

Chemical Reviews

The flexibility to engineer strains as needed makes Tetrahymena a facile system with which to answer many biological questions.

Methods in Cell Biology

The President is a facile speaker and his answers to Maron's questions are smooth and fairly lengthy.

Huffington Post

Better to question why MoMA has elected to bore its audience with a facile exercise in pedantic deconstruction that's been widely performed since 2004 and available on DVD since fall 2008.

The New York Times

It has a facile, cheap tinge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a facile question" when you want to subtly criticize the lack of depth or complexity in a query. Be aware that this phrasing can come across as condescending depending on the context and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a facile question" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly critical or dismissive. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "a simple question" or "an easy question" in situations where a judgmental tone is not intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a facile question" functions as a noun phrase where 'facile' modifies the noun 'question'. It is used to describe a question that is simplistic or easily answered, often implying a lack of depth or critical thought. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a facile question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a question lacking depth or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase appears mostly in News & Media and Science contexts, its tone leans slightly formal. When writing, be mindful of the critical connotation and consider whether a more neutral alternative like "a simple question" or "an easy question" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simplistic question

Focuses on the oversimplified nature of the question.

a superficial question

Highlights the lack of depth or substance in the question.

a shallow question

Emphasizes the lack of intellectual rigor or thoughtfulness.

an easy question

Directly indicates the lack of difficulty in answering the question.

a straightforward question

Suggests the question is uncomplicated and direct.

a simple question

Highlights the basic nature of the question.

a trivial question

Indicates the question is unimportant or insignificant.

a pat question

Implies the question is rehearsed or predictable.

a glib question

Suggests the question is insincere or thoughtless.

a surface-level question

Emphasizes that the question only addresses the most obvious aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "a facile question" to describe a question that is too simple or lacks depth, such as, "The interviewer posed what seemed like "a facile question" about my career goals, but I knew a more complex answer was expected."

What are some alternatives to "a facile question"?

Alternatives to "a facile question" include "a simple question", "an easy question", or "a superficial question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "a facile question" can be perceived as somewhat critical or condescending. Consider your audience and the desired tone; a more neutral phrase might be more appropriate in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "a facile question" and "a naive question"?

"A facile question" implies the question is overly simplistic or superficial, while "a naive question" suggests a lack of experience or knowledge. The former focuses on the question's lack of depth, while the latter focuses on the questioner's lack of understanding.