a fleeting question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is temporary or quickly asked, often without much thought or permanence. Example: "During the meeting, she posed a fleeting question about the project's timeline, but it was quickly forgotten as the discussion moved on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But it was a fleeting question; "you don't try to second-guess the filmmaker," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

And now that I think of it, I do remember that at some point in the 1990s, I entertained a fleeting question about what kind of name Erskine was.

The New York Times

Yet it raises a fleeting question in the mind, the same question that returns in different ways throughout the piece: Aren't all these characters on the cusp of sexual experience?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it has allowed us to reflexively indulge every passing interest, to expect answers to every fleeting question, to believe that if we search long enough, surf a little further, we can hit the dry land of knowing "everything that happens" and that such knowledge is both possible and desirable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The fleeting question of whether Mr. Klock might somehow pay for his slip-up distracted from the larger question, just as impossible to answer, of whether something conclusive was to be read into the grilling by particular justices of particular lawyers on crucial points of law.

The New York Times

It can be the most maddeningly presentational of arts: "Here I am! Watch me while I whip around like a crazed, grinning whirligig!" And then it can fold inward, offering windows into those ineffable, fleeting questions of existence.

The New York Times - Arts

It was for only a fleeting moment, but the questions inspired deep thought and a reflective poise on Matthew Kaphan's part, his mind sweeping whole epochs of history.

The New York Times

She spent the few weeks before her surgery coming to terms with what had happened to her. "There was a fleeting moment when I was first diagnosed when I questioned, Why my leg?" Burla said.

The New York Times - Sports

When reporters after the event pressed him for his opinion on Mr. Perry's memory lapse, Romney aides rushed to quash the questions before their candidate offered only a fleeting response.

The New York Times

So how should teachers and professors respond when confronted with the question, "if humans evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?" Sometimes this and other questions about evolution are encountered in a fleeting context where there is not quite enough time to explain the full scope of evolutionary biology (Scott 2006)!

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Twenty years after Cobain's suicide, there is no question that my resistance to Nirvana was proven wrong, that their music wasn't just a fleeting phenomenon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting question" to describe inquiries that arise briefly and may not require extensive consideration or a detailed response. This phrase is effective in conveying the transient nature of the question.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeing" instead of "fleeting". "Fleeting" describes something that disappears quickly, while "fleeing" describes the act of running away from something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "fleeting" modifies the noun "question". It describes a question that is temporary, brief, or not deeply considered. The examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts where a question arises quickly and may not require extensive attention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fleeting question" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a question that is brief or temporary. Ludwig's AI indicates that it functions as a noun phrase, combining the adjective "fleeting" to modify the noun "question". It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and its primary purpose is to convey the transient nature of an inquiry. While alternatives like "a passing query" or "a momentary inquiry" exist, "a fleeting question" is suitable for describing inquiries that arise briefly and may not require in-depth consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing query

Emphasizes the transient nature of the question, suggesting it was quickly mentioned and dismissed.

a momentary inquiry

Highlights the brief duration of the questioning, implying it did not last long.

a brief question

Focuses on the shortness of the question, indicating it was concise and to the point.

a quick question

Suggests the question was asked rapidly and without much deliberation.

a short-lived question

Emphasizes that the question did not persist for very long.

a transient inquiry

Highlights the impermanence of the question, implying it quickly faded away.

a superficial question

Suggests the question lacked depth or serious consideration.

a casual question

Indicates the question was posed informally and without much concern.

an offhand question

Implies the question was asked without much thought or planning.

a perfunctory question

Highlights that the question was asked as a matter of routine or duty, without genuine interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting question" to describe a question that comes to mind briefly and is quickly dismissed or answered. For instance, "I had "a fleeting question" about the budget, but it was answered in the next slide".

What's a synonym for "a fleeting question"?

Alternatives to "a fleeting question" include "a passing query", "a momentary inquiry", or "a brief question". These phrases all describe questions that are short-lived and not deeply considered.

Is it correct to say "a fleeting answer" instead of "a fleeting question"?

Yes, you can use "fleeting" with other nouns like "answer", "thought", or "moment" to describe something that is brief or quickly disappears. For example, "He gave "a fleeting answer" and moved on".

What is the difference between "a fleeting question" and "a persistent question"?

"A fleeting question" describes a question that is brief and temporary, while "a persistent question" refers to a question that continues to be asked or considered over time. They are essentially opposites.