a first question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a first question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing an initial inquiry in a discussion or conversation. Example: "To start our discussion, I have a first question: What are your thoughts on the current project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

This leads to a first question: Why a bounce at all?

The New York Times

A first question to ask is whether people are actually practicing their religion online.

The Guardian - Opinion

When a patient receives the diagnosis of cancer, a first question that springs to mind is: Why me?

The New York Times

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.41am ET15 41 Hensarling has a first question.

The Guardian - Business

Your blogger made a point of asking each voter, as a first question, what concern or ambition had led them to the polls.

The Economist

It was the Frenchman who posed the Clarets a first question, linking down the left with Martial before being shepherded out.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A second question is content.

The New York Times

Oh and a second question.

The Guardian

But for American boomers it raises a second question.

The Economist

A second question is how far that trend will go.

The Economist

A third question relates to the definition of charities.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a series of inquiries, use "a first question" to clearly signal the beginning and set the context for subsequent points.

Common error

Avoid using "a first question" in situations where a simple introductory question suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a first question" functions as a discourse marker or introductory phrase, signaling the commencement of a series of inquiries or points for consideration. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to introduce an initial topic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a first question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce an initial inquiry or point of consideration, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its use is prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best employed when structuring a series of questions or arguments, avoiding overuse in simple scenarios to maintain a natural tone. As Ludwig's AI indicates, alternatives like "an initial question" or "primary concern" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis. The phrase serves to guide audiences and establish clear starting points, making it valuable in analytical and structured discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening question

Specifically refers to the question that starts a discussion.

basic question

Emphasizes the elemental nature of the inquiry.

first consideration

Highlights what should be thought about first.

preliminary question

Indicates a question asked before more detailed ones.

initial inquiry

Focuses on the act of asking or investigating for the first time.

primary concern

Highlights the most important issue to be addressed at the beginning.

fundamental issue

Highlights the core problem or question to address.

starting point

Emphasizes the beginning of a discussion or investigation.

initial problem

Highlights a problem needed to be solved before doing another action.

first topic

Focuses on the opening subject of a conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a first question" to introduce the initial inquiry in a discussion or analysis. For example: "A first question to consider is whether we have sufficient data."

What are some alternatives to "a first question"?

Alternatives include "an initial question", "the primary concern", or "the starting point", depending on the specific context. For example, instead of "a first question", you could say "The initial inquiry is...".

What's the difference between "a first question" and "an initial question"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "an initial question" might be slightly more general, while "a first question" specifically emphasizes the order or sequence of questions.

Is it always necessary to use "a first question" when starting an inquiry?

No, it's not always necessary. Using "a first question" is most effective when you plan to present multiple questions or points in a structured manner. In simpler scenarios, a direct question might be more appropriate.