a kind question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a kind question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is considerate, gentle, or thoughtful in nature. Example: "She asked me a kind question about my well-being, which made me feel appreciated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Asked whether she was prepared to speak out about the dangers of cousin marriage – prevalent among British Pakistani communities – after a well-respected study in nearby Bradford found that the children of first cousins were twice as likely to have birth defects, she looked uncomfortable, saying: "What a kind question... I'd have to look at the statistics".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is no need to answer that, dear reader, for it was a rhetorical question — a kind of question which requires no answer.

The New Yorker

Or to questions about what a good human life looks like, a kind of question about the shape of life as a whole asked from a perspective outside it.

Princeton University

The music, too, starts in a kind of question mark.

The New Yorker

Ian Rankin: There's a kind of question I want to answer, a theme I want to explore.

The Guardian - Books

"I don't know what I'll do if this isn't the place". The music, too, starts in a kind of question mark.

The New Yorker

If you have ever seen the northern lights, you know they cause a wonder that is itself a kind of question.

The New York Times

Cut to Clinton's recent interview with the BBC journalist Andrew Marr, who asked her if Weinstein and Donald Trump were two of a kind — a question that Clinton declined to answer, but no matter.

The New Yorker

It should be a kind of question that would insult you if your friend answered it in a certain way.

WikiHow

Sharaf writes that the FDA suspected a sexual racket of some kind; questions were asked about the women associated with orgonomy and "what was done with them".

Wikipedia

L.N.: Well, to show that the question was a kind of self-defining question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a kind question" when you want to emphasize the thoughtfulness or gentleness behind an inquiry, especially in sensitive situations where empathy is important.

Common error

Avoid using "a kind question" when the intent is to challenge or interrogate. The phrase suggests gentleness and consideration, so it's unsuitable for aggressive or confrontational inquiries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kind question" functions as a noun phrase, where "kind" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly describes a question posed with gentleness and consideration. The example highlights its use in sensitive interpersonal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a kind question" is a phrase used to describe an inquiry characterized by gentleness, consideration, and empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its suitability for various contexts where thoughtfulness is valued. While the phrase is relatively rare, its effectiveness lies in its ability to convey genuine care and support. Alternatives such as "a thoughtful inquiry" or "a considerate question" can be used to achieve a similar effect. When using "a kind question", ensure that your intent aligns with the phrase's inherent gentleness, avoiding its application in confrontational scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thoughtful inquiry

Emphasizes the considerate and reflective nature of the question.

a considerate question

Directly highlights the thoughtfulness behind the question.

a gentle question

Focuses on the delicate and non-intrusive nature of the inquiry.

a compassionate inquiry

Highlights the empathy driving the question.

a gracious question

Emphasizes the politeness and courtesy of the question.

a sympathetic question

Indicates the question stems from understanding and care.

a well-intentioned question

Highlights the positive intent behind the inquiry.

a polite question

Focuses on the courteous manner in which the question is posed.

a tactful question

Emphasizes the sensitivity and discretion used in phrasing the question.

a sensitive inquiry

Highlights the awareness and care taken when asking the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a kind question" to describe an inquiry that is thoughtful or gentle. For example, "She asked "a kind question" about my health, which I appreciated greatly."

What are some alternatives to "a kind question"?

Alternatives include "a thoughtful inquiry", "a considerate question", or "a gentle question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "a kind question" when the intent is to show empathy and consideration, particularly in sensitive conversations or when dealing with personal matters.

Is "a kind question" more formal or informal?

"A kind question" is generally suitable for both formal and informal settings where thoughtfulness and gentleness are valued. Its appropriateness depends more on the context than the setting.