a leading question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a question that is worded in a way that suggests or implies a certain answer, rather than allowing the person being questioned to provide their own response. Example: "The lawyer was accused of using leading questions to manipulate the witness's testimony in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A leading question is one that "leads" your conversation partner to speak at more length than a simple yes or no answer.

WikiHow

It's a leading question.

The Guardian - Arts

Or is this a leading question?

The New Yorker

THE PRESIDENT: That is a leading question.

Yale University

Therefore, you should not put a leading question upon it.

Yale University

The flattery often came before a leading question.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

In an attempt to avoid a potentially leading question, the Electoral Commission has recommended that the plebiscite's options should be "remain" or "leave".

The Guardian

Generally, Mr. Moyers is an unobtrusive but steady presence, introducing each episode and then occasionally appearing on camera to ask a gently leading question.

The New York Times

Asked a weirdly leading question by the interviewer, Guillaume Serina — whether "the fifties, the McCarthyism of which prefigures today's Patriot Act, marks the birth of modern America?" — Eastwood answered: Yes, it does.

The New Yorker

Asked a weirdly leading question by the interviewer, Guillaume Serina whether "the fifties, the McCarthyism of which prefigures today's Patriot Act, marks the birth of modern America?"—Eastwood answered: Yes, it does.

The New Yorker

Back in 1999, Pete Sampras appeared on "60 Minutes". Charlie Rose posed a somewhat leading question that could've made Sampras uncomfortable.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leading question" in writing, ensure that the context makes it clear whether the question is intentionally leading or unintentionally biased. State the reason why the question may be biased or leading to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every question that guides a response is inherently manipulative. Sometimes, "a leading question" is used to clarify understanding or encourage further elaboration, especially in conversational settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading question" functions primarily as a noun phrase identifying a specific type of inquiry. It describes a question designed to guide or influence the respondent toward a particular answer. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leading question" is a frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, that identifies a type of inquiry designed to guide the respondent towards a specific answer. It functions as a noun phrase and appears most often in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase itself is grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to be aware of its potential connotations of bias or manipulation. When writing, consider the context in which you use "a leading question" and whether you intend to suggest a particular response. Also, alternatives such as "suggestive question" or "guiding question" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suggestive question

Focuses on the question implying an answer.

a guiding question

Emphasizes the question's role in directing the conversation.

a loaded question

Highlights the potential for the question to be biased or unfair.

a manipulative question

Suggests the question is designed to elicit a specific response.

a tendentious question

Implies the question is biased and intended to promote a particular viewpoint.

a prompting question

Highlights the question's role in stimulating a particular line of thought.

a predisposing question

Indicates the question influences the respondent towards a certain answer.

a slanted question

Highlights the biased nature of the question.

a directional question

Emphasizes that the question is intended to guide the respondent's answer.

an insinuating question

Focuses on the indirect and suggestive nature of the question.

FAQs

How is "a leading question" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "a leading question" is a question that prompts the answer the examiner desires. It's often disallowed during direct examination but permitted during cross-examination to challenge a witness's testimony. Lawyers are trained to identify and avoid using "leading questions" in certain situations.

What's the difference between "a leading question" and a neutral question?

"A leading question" suggests the answer within the question itself, whereas a neutral question allows the respondent to answer freely without any implied direction. For example, "You saw the defendant, didn't you?" is a leading question, while "What did you see?" is neutral.

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

While often discouraged in formal settings like direct examinations, "a leading question" can be appropriate in informal conversations to guide discussion or confirm understanding. It's also commonly used in market research surveys to gauge consumer preferences.

What are some alternative phrases for "a leading question"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "suggestive question", "guiding question", or "loaded question" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.