a final question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a final question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are about to ask the last question in a discussion or interview. Example: "Before we conclude this meeting, I have a final question regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A final question.

The New York Times

She took a final question.

The New Yorker

PF A final question.

The Guardian - Film

I asked Correa a final question.

The New Yorker

There is left a final question.

Cornell University

A final question mark is Rice herself.

The Washington Post

Does anybody have a final question?

The New York Times

There's a final question about expenses.

The Guardian

Vanderbilt, an all-American blue blood, risked a final question.

The New Yorker

A final question offered the only light note in an otherwise tense showdown.

The New York Times

A final question: are the fans, also known as a team's customers, always right?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a final question" to signal the end of a question-and-answer session, interview, or discussion. This helps manage expectations and provides a clear signal of closure.

Common error

Avoid using "a final question" if you suspect you may need to ask further questions. This phrase implies that no more questions will follow, so premature use can disrupt the flow of conversation or inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a final question" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the end of an inquiry or discussion. It prefaces a concluding query, as confirmed by Ludwig's numerous examples, and indicates that no further questions are expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a final question" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to signal the conclusion of a question-and-answer exchange. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as a discourse marker to manage expectations and provide closure. While versatile and appropriate across various registers, it should be used judiciously to avoid prematurely ending a productive discussion. Common alternatives include "one last question" or "a concluding question". Its widespread use in news, scientific, and academic contexts underscores its reliability and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One last question

Emphasizes the termination of questioning, similar to the original phrase.

A concluding question

Highlights the act of bringing the questioning to a close.

Any final questions

Asks if there are more inquiries before finishing.

A last inquiry

Synonymous, focusing on the investigative aspect of questioning.

The last question

Specific, implying a predetermined final question.

A closing query

Formal, emphasizing the end of a questioning sequence.

Before we finish, a question

Offers an alternative placement in the sentence to QUERY but retains the original intent.

To conclude, a question

Indicates the approaching end of the dialogue.

Lastly, a question

Highlights the finality of the question being asked.

A parting question

Suggests the question is asked as someone is leaving or concluding.

FAQs

How can I introduce "a final question" in a conversation?

You can introduce "a final question" by saying, "Before we wrap up, I have "a final question" for you" or "Just "a final question" before we conclude".

What's a formal alternative to "a final question"?

In formal settings, consider using "a concluding question" or "a last inquiry" as alternatives to "a final question".

Is it appropriate to say "a final question" in an informal setting?

Yes, "a final question" is appropriate in informal settings. It clearly signals that you're about to ask your last question. You can also use "one last question" as an alternative.

Can "a final question" be used in written communication?

Yes, "a final question" can be used in written communication, such as in an interview transcript or a report, to indicate the last question asked. This helps provide context and structure to the document.