a formal question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a formal question" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It refers to a question that is asked in a polite and professional manner, often in a formal setting such as a meeting or a business email. Example: "Mr. Jones, may I ask you a formal question about the budget for our project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I was struck by something I heard the poet Rosanna Warren say, that art is a formal question responding to a major provocation in reality.

The New Yorker

Arlen Specter (Pa ., who was a Republican at the time, brought the issue up in hearing and followed up with a formal question on it.

The Washington Post

"But that's a formal question," Mielke said, then began a riff on love for the ages: I love — I do love all — all people — well, I do love — I've stood for that, after all.

The New Yorker

"Yellow on Black," another new relief, elaborates on a collage from 1952, a kind of closure by a 77-year-old master apropos of a formal question he raised as a young man.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lord Blencathra, formerly the Tory environment minister David Maclean, has submitted a formal question to the government in the House of Lords asking if Larry's treatment was met by staff donations, and, if so, whether the government would refund those staff who had helped to pay the vet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everything in art is a formal question.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Since arriving in New Hampshire, he has not held a formal question-and-answer session with reporters.

The New York Times

"She recreates form with every play and asks a new formal question with every play.

The New Yorker

For several days last week, he did not have any formal question-and-answer sessions with reporters, until one was hastily added on Friday (10 minutes).

The New York Times

So hopefully next time we do a formal charge question, we'll get everyone back up to speed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In identifying existence as firstly human, Levinas establishes that Heidegger's Being, or the "being of that which is," answers a formal ontological question, to which determinations like finiteness and infinity, not to mention escape and transcendence, apply only vaguely.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal question" when the context requires a structured, polite, and professional inquiry.

Common error

Don't assume that a formal question needs to be convoluted or use overly complex language. Clarity is still key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce or describe an inquiry that adheres to specific protocols or conventions. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal question" is a grammatically correct phrase that denotes a structured and often protocol-driven inquiry. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news media, scientific literature, and academic writing, signaling its professional register. While not exceedingly common, it serves the purpose of introducing inquiries with a sense of seriousness and adherence to established procedures. When using the phrase, remember that clarity remains key, even within a formal context. Be aware that the phrase implies the existence of informal questions and thus might not be appropriate if you wish to express doubt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official questioning

Focuses on the process of asking formal questions.

official inquiry

Replaces "question" with a term that emphasizes the investigatory aspect.

standardized query

Suggests the question is part of a set procedure.

standard inquiry

A more generic phrase indicating a routine question.

structured query

Emphasizes the organized and methodical aspect of the question.

prescribed question

Indicates that the question is mandated or required.

legitimate question

Emphasizes the validity and appropriateness of the question.

conventional interrogation

Focuses on the traditional format of questioning.

ceremonial inquiry

Highlights the ritualistic nature of the question.

duly presented question

Emphasizes the proper submission of the question.

FAQs

How do I use "a formal question" in a sentence?

You can use "a formal question" to introduce an inquiry in a professional setting. For example, "Before we proceed, I'd like to pose "a formal question" regarding the budget."

What's the difference between "a formal question" and a regular question?

"A formal question" implies a level of seriousness and adherence to protocol, often used in professional or official contexts. A regular question is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.

Are there synonyms for "a formal question"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "official inquiry" or "structured query" depending on the context.

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

Use "a formal question" in scenarios that require a level of professionalism, such as in a meeting, a legal setting, or when addressing someone in a position of authority. It's less suitable for casual conversations.