a little question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to ask a minor or simple question, often to soften the request. Example: "I have a little question about the project timeline that I hope you can clarify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"There's a little question there.

The New York Times

It's a little question of rent.

The New Yorker

Each sound is a little question mark.

The Guardian

NICK PAUMGARTEN: we could do with a little Question Time.

The New Yorker

Dear John Please settle a little question for me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Yeah, there was a little question mark with him from inside six feet.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And then, after our earnings call, we would hold a little question-and-answer session: What did you not understand during the earnings call?

The New York Times

Once her own number is over, the soloist encounters the Peruvian men who will succeed her; they have a little question-and-answer session in footwork, though her feet and theirs make it clear how different their languages are.

The New York Times - Arts

This spurred him to ask: "What goes faster, a bee or a car?" "Kind of a simple little question," Grazer said at a Los Angeles Times Festival of Books talk on Saturday.

Los Angeles Times

So I double-clicked on the word and a magical little question mark appeared, which in turn led me to a definition: 1.

The New Yorker

This is a post about a *very* helpful little question.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little question" to politely introduce a query that you anticipate will be easily answered or require minimal time and effort. This phrasing softens the request and shows consideration for the other person's time.

Common error

Avoid using "a little question" in highly formal or professional settings where a more direct or specific inquiry is expected. In such cases, opt for phrases like "I have a question regarding" or "Could you please clarify".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little question" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a question, softening the impact and suggesting it is minor or easily answered. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in various contexts to politely preface an inquiry.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little question" is a common and generally acceptable way to introduce a minor or simple inquiry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it is suitable for most situations, from everyday conversations to news articles, it may be less appropriate in highly formal or scientific settings where directness is preferred. Remember to use it judiciously, especially in professional communications where a more specific and direct inquiry might be more effective. Consider alternatives like "a minor query" or "a quick question" to fine-tune the tone and formality of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small question

Substitutes "little" with "small", offering a direct synonym that conveys the same sense of limited significance.

a simple question

Highlights the straightforward nature of the question, implying it is easy to understand and answer.

a minor query

Replaces "question" with "query", emphasizing the inquiry aspect while maintaining the sense of it being small or unimportant.

a quick question

Focuses on the speed at which the question can be asked and answered, suitable for informal contexts.

a brief inquiry

Emphasizes the brevity of the question, suggesting it will not take much time or effort to answer.

a quick clarification

Suggests the need for a brief explanation to resolve a minor confusion.

a basic question

Implies the question covers fundamental or introductory concepts.

a minor point

Frames the question as a small detail or issue to consider.

a slight concern

Shifts the focus to a minor worry or point of uncertainty, rather than a direct inquiry.

a trivial question

Emphasizes the insignificance of the question, suitable when downplaying its importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little question" to introduce a minor inquiry. For example: "I have "a little question" about the assignment guidelines" or "There's "a little question" I wanted to ask you before we proceed".

What's a more formal alternative to "a little question"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "I have a question regarding", "Could you clarify", or "I'd like to inquire about" instead of "a little question".

Is it appropriate to use "a little question" in business emails?

Yes, it's generally acceptable to use "a little question" in business emails to introduce a minor inquiry, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the email. If in doubt, opt for a more direct approach.

What's the difference between "a little question" and "a quick question"?

"A little question" emphasizes the minor nature of the inquiry, while "a quick question" highlights the brevity and speed with which it can be addressed. Both can be used interchangeably, but consider the specific context.