a loaded question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loaded question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a question that is designed to elicit a particular answer or to provoke a certain response from the person being asked. Example: "She asked him a loaded question about his past relationship, knowing that it would make him uncomfortable and possibly reveal his true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's a loaded question.

The New York Times - Magazine

A.Wow, man, that's a loaded question.

The New York Times

(Maybe that's a loaded question).

The New Yorker

That's a loaded question at this point.

The Guardian - Music

This has always been a loaded question.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was such a loaded question.

The Guardian - Arts

"That's a loaded question," he sighed.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a loaded question for something just off the expressway.

The Guardian - Arts

NICK PAUMGARTEN: Tyrone, that is a loaded question.

The New Yorker

It was, as any milk person could tell you, a loaded question.

The New Yorker

"That's a loaded question," she says, her face reddening before she lets out a laugh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a loaded question" when you want to emphasize that a question is not neutral and likely to produce a skewed or controversial response. Be mindful of the context and ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the nature of the question being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a loaded question" simply to describe a difficult question. The phrase specifically implies that the question is designed to elicit a particular response or reveal something specific about the person being questioned. Using it for any difficult question diminishes its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loaded question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing many examples where it's used to describe the type of question being asked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a loaded question" is a common and effective way to describe a question designed to elicit a specific or biased response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the question being described genuinely carries an underlying assumption or manipulative intent. Alternatives like "a leading question" or "a biased question" can offer nuanced variations depending on the context. Understanding the intent and avoiding misapplication are key to effectively using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a biased question

Emphasizes the inherent prejudice in the question.

a leading question

Focuses on the suggestive nature of the question.

a tricky question

Highlights the potential for deception or difficulty in answering.

a complex question

Replaces "loaded" with a more general term indicating difficulty.

a question with an agenda

Highlights the underlying motive behind the question.

a question designed to provoke

Focuses on the intent to elicit a strong emotional reaction.

a question with hidden implications

Highlights the subtle or indirect consequences of the question.

a question fraught with meaning

Emphasizes the weight and significance behind the question.

a question packed with significance

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the question.

a question carrying a lot of weight

Indicates the importance and potential consequences of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a loaded question" to describe a question designed to elicit a specific or biased response. For instance, "The interviewer asked "a loaded question" about the candidate's political affiliations, clearly trying to provoke a reaction".

What is an alternative to saying "a loaded question"?

Alternatives to "a loaded question" include "a leading question", "a biased question", or "a tricky question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone asks a loaded question?

When someone asks "a loaded question", it typically means they are asking a question that contains an assumption or is designed to elicit a particular emotional response, often to trap or embarrass the person answering.

Is there a difference between "a loaded question" and "a leading question"?

While both terms describe manipulative questioning, "a loaded question" implies that the question contains an assumption, while "a leading question" is phrased to guide the respondent to a specific answer.