a perfunctory question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perfunctory question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is asked without genuine interest or effort, often as a formality. Example: "During the meeting, she asked a perfunctory question about the project status, but it was clear she wasn't really paying attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It wasn't a perfunctory question, but one about my health, job, faith, relationships and, eventually, my family.

The New York Times

Not so much questions, more mini essays of dazzling erudition, loaded with footnotes and rounded off at the end with a perfunctory question mark.

The Guardian - Arts

When the interview began, Lauer asked Bair and Born a perfunctory question about their roles in anticipating the financial crisis, then turned to Kennedy to ask about tabloid rumors that her children had begged her to quit New York's Senate-appointee contest, because it was "beneath" her.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The office did not conduct more than a perfunctory inquiry.

The New York Times

From there, you have to schedule an in-person interview at one of 38 Global Entry Enrollment Centers, where a CBP officer will ask you a few perfunctory questions (like, why are you applying?) for a grand total of about seven minutes, under the guise of a "rigorous background check".

Huffington Post

After that, nothing: "There were a few perfunctory questions about the severity of the side effects.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, young Iraqi men who lined up this afternoon to sign up to return to duty were met with only a few perfunctory questions.

The New York Times

At Friday's arraignment, Magistrate Judge Mark A. Randon of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan asked Mr. Abdulmutallab a series of perfunctory questions about his background and whether he understood the charges.

The New York Times

He was one of at least 16 applicants to be rejected on Tuesday, and he claimed that each person was turned down in up to 20 minutes, after a series of perfunctory questions about their country of origin and route to Hungary.

The Guardian

My potential employer asked me a few more perfunctory questions and then saw me to the door.

Forbes

Refusing at first to be sworn in, Mr. Powell finally agreed to answer some perfunctory questions, but balked when he was asked about the contempt citations and his committee chairmanship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a perfunctory question" when you want to emphasize the lack of genuine interest or effort behind an inquiry. It's suitable for describing situations where questions are asked as a formality rather than out of real curiosity.

Common error

Avoid using "a perfunctory question" when you actually mean a question that lacks depth or detail (superficial). "Perfunctory" emphasizes the lack of genuine interest or effort, while "superficial" highlights the lack of thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perfunctory question" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by a noun. It describes the type of question being asked, highlighting its insincere or superficial nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perfunctory question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a question asked without genuine interest or effort. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not a frequent expression, it serves a specific purpose in conveying criticism or disapproval of superficial inquiries. Consider alternatives like "cursory" or "superficial" if you want to emphasize a lack of depth rather than a lack of interest. Avoid confusing "perfunctory" with simply lacking depth (superficial). Use it when you want to highlight that someone is asking a question as a mere formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A superficial inquiry

This alternative focuses on the lack of depth in the questioning.

A cursory question

This highlights the brief and hurried nature of the question.

A routine question

This suggests the question is asked out of habit or procedure rather than genuine interest.

A formulaic question

This emphasizes the predictable and unoriginal nature of the question.

A shallow question

This emphasizes the lack of depth and thoughtfulness behind the question.

A disinterested question

This highlights the lack of interest from the person asking the question.

A half-hearted question

This suggests a lack of enthusiasm or effort in asking the question.

A mechanical question

This emphasizes the impersonal and automated nature of the question.

A token question

This suggests the question is asked only to fulfill an obligation or appear interested.

A mindless question

This alternative highlights the lack of thought or consideration put into the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perfunctory question" to describe an inquiry made without real interest or effort. For example: "The interviewer asked "a perfunctory question" about my hobbies, then moved on."

What's a good alternative to "a perfunctory question"?

Alternatives include "a cursory question", "a superficial inquiry", or "a routine question", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to ask "a perfunctory question" or no question at all?

It depends on the context. Asking "a perfunctory question" might fulfill a social obligation, but asking no question at all might be preferable if you have no genuine interest, as it avoids wasting everyone's time.

What does it imply when someone asks "a perfunctory question"?

It suggests the person is going through the motions without real engagement. They may be uninterested, distracted, or simply fulfilling a requirement.