a preliminary question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a question that serves as an initial inquiry or a starting point for further discussion or investigation. Example: "Before we dive into the main topic, I have a preliminary question regarding the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Isn't it often a preliminary question to ask, who is your auditor?" said Mr. Dodd.

The New York Times

But after logging in with the new ID and password, and answering a preliminary question, users got an error message.

The New York Times

A preliminary question to ask is why the St . Louisauthorities scheduled such an incendiary announcement for after dark, even though the news that the grand jury had reached a decision had become public hours earlier.

The New Yorker

As a lawyer arguing his own case, he will have an even greater stake than usual, because a preliminary question to be decided is whether as the noncustodial parent he had standing to file the case asserting his daughter's right not to hear "under God" in the daily recitation of the pledge.

The New York Times

Before examining various contradictory answers to these questions, a preliminary question is relevant.

SEP

The self-report form administered contained socio-demographic data and a preliminary question regarding the lifetime presence of headache.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We obtained a data set from the Swedish Army that offered an unprecedented opportunity to conduct a preliminary inquiry into such questions.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Depending upon the contact information you have for the company, tell them that you will follow up next week with a phone call or email to ensure your application was received and to answer any preliminary questions they may have.

WikiHow

The preliminary question, if I am a consumer, is therefore simple to answer, as I have never made a single Cent though this procedure –- to the contrary I invested hundreds of unpaid hours of work".

TechCrunch

More research is needed regarding the definition of positive family history, how it might relate to risk of colorectal cancer and the impact of using family history as a preliminary screening question prior to Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) screening programs (Polmear and Glasziou, 2008).

British Journal of Cancer

This documentary was originally a commissioned work for the Art and History review "Présence Africaine" and it questions political issues through a cultural and historical angle summarized in this preliminary question: "How come 'Nigger' art can be found at the Museum of Anthropology while the Ancient Greek and Egyptian art are displayed at the Louvre?".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preliminary question" to introduce an inquiry that sets the stage for a more in-depth discussion or investigation. This helps to frame the context and guide the subsequent conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "a preliminary question" when the question is actually central to the topic. This phrase is best suited for inquiries that pave the way for deeper analysis, not the core issue itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an initial inquiry or a basic query meant to set the stage for a more in-depth discussion or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary question" is a grammatically sound and functionally versatile phrase employed to introduce an initial inquiry or foundational issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriately utilized across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic entries. When writing, ensure its use aligns with setting the stage for deeper analysis, rather than addressing the central issue directly. Alternatives like "an initial inquiry" or "a starting point" can offer nuanced substitutions depending on the desired emphasis. Overall, "a preliminary question" serves as a valuable tool for framing discussions and guiding explorations into complex subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary inquiry

Uses a synonym for question, focusing on information gathering.

an initial question

Simple substitution of preliminary to highlight the start.

an initial inquiry

Focuses on the act of asking or seeking information at the beginning.

a starting point

Emphasizes the commencement of a discussion or investigation.

a foundational question

Highlights the importance of the question as a basis for further understanding.

a basic inquiry

Stresses the fundamental nature of the question.

a preparatory question

Indicates the question prepares the ground for subsequent discussion.

an introductory question

Emphasizes that it begins a series of questions or a topic.

a prior question

Highlights that the question needs to be addressed before others.

a first question

Highlights the order and commencement of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary question" to introduce an initial inquiry before delving into a complex topic. For example, "A preliminary question to ask is whether we have the necessary resources."

What is a good alternative to "a preliminary question"?

Alternatives include "an initial inquiry", "a starting point", or "a foundational question", depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "a preliminary question" when you need to address a basic or introductory query before moving on to more complex or detailed aspects of a subject.

What's the difference between "a preliminary question" and "a basic question"?

"A preliminary question" sets the stage for further discussion or investigation, while "a basic question" simply refers to a fundamental or simple inquiry. The former implies a setup, the latter indicates simplicity.