a good question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging the quality or thoughtfulness of a question posed by someone. Example: "That's a good question; it really makes us think about the implications of our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That's a good question.

The New York Times

A good question, Lydia.

The New York Times

SEAN WILENTZ: A good question!

The New Yorker

It's a good question, though.

The New Yorker

This was a Good Question.

Independent

Maybe it's a good question.

The New York Times

That's a good question, Linda.

The New Yorker

That is a good question.

The Economist

It was a good question.

The New York Times - Magazine

CR: That's a good question.

The New York Times

So that's a good question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good question" to acknowledge the merit of an inquiry, especially when it prompts deeper thought or addresses a key issue. This simple phrase shows you value the questioner's contribution and are willing to engage thoughtfully.

Common error

While "a good question" is acceptable, overuse can make you sound unoriginal. Vary your response with phrases like "that's an insightful point" or "I'm glad you asked that" to maintain engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good question" serves as an interjection or acknowledgment. It's used to validate and recognize the quality or relevance of a question that has been posed. Ludwig confirms the proper usage of this phrase, highlighting its role in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to acknowledge the value of a question. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While the phrase is very common and generally acceptable, it's best practice to vary responses with alternatives to avoid sounding repetitive. While "a good question" is generally acceptable, consider more sophisticated alternatives for a polished tone. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase serves to validate and recognize the quality or relevance of a question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent question

Replaces "good" with a stronger adjective, emphasizing the high quality of the question.

a thoughtful question

Highlights the consideration and care taken in formulating the question.

an insightful question

Emphasizes the depth and understanding demonstrated by the question.

a pertinent question

Highlights the relevance and appropriateness of the question to the current discussion.

a relevant question

Highlights the importance of the question in the current context.

you raise a good point

Directly credits the speaker for bringing up a valuable consideration.

a fair question

Indicates that the question is reasonable and justified in the context.

a valid point

Shifts focus from the question itself to the underlying idea or argument it raises.

that's an interesting point

Acknowledges the curiosity and intrigue sparked by the question.

that's worth considering

Focuses on the importance of the issue raised by the question, rather than the question itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good question" to acknowledge the quality of an inquiry, like: "That's a good question; let's explore the possible implications."

What are some alternatives to saying "a good question"?

You can use alternatives like "an excellent question", "a valid point", or "an insightful question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a good question" is generally acceptable in formal writing to acknowledge a thoughtful inquiry. However, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "a pertinent question" or "a relevant question" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "a good question" and "an interesting question"?

"A good question" generally implies that the question is valuable or insightful, while "an interesting question" suggests that the question is curious or intriguing. The former focuses on merit, while the latter focuses on interest.