a question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a question" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a question that you are asking, in the same way that you would use the phrase "I have a question." For example, "A question I have is, why did the decision get changed?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a question lingers.

The New York Times - Sports

A question of taste?

Independent

Which raises a question.

The New Yorker

"Dick, a question.

The New York Times

A question arises, however.

Independent

"It's a question mark.

The New York Times - Arts

Which prompts a question.

The Economist

You have a question.

The New York Times

This begs a question.

Independent

But here's a question.

Independent

He asked a question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question" to introduce inquiries or points of discussion, ensuring clarity and a smooth transition into the posed question.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "a question" in formal writing. Instead, vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and sophistication. Consider rephrasing for smoother transitions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an inquiry or point of consideration, setting the stage for further explanation or a direct question. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce inquiries or points of discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across different contexts, particularly in news, media and wiki sources. While versatile, varying sentence structure remains important for stylistic sophistication. The phrase serves to signal an upcoming inquiry and invites reflection, making it a fundamental element in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal noun denoting a request for information.

a query

Uses a synonym for "question", often implying a more specific or technical inquiry.

a problem

Substitutes "question" with a term that implies a difficulty needing resolution.

an issue

Replaces "question" with a broader term indicating a point of discussion or concern.

a point

Uses "point" to indicate a specific matter that needs to be addressed or clarified.

a concern

Replaces "question" with a term emphasizing worry or interest in a particular matter.

a matter for consideration

Expresses a more formal version of "a question" by framing it as something to be considered.

a topic of discussion

Substitutes "question" with a phrase indicating a subject to be discussed.

a subject of inquiry

Uses a formal term to express the question is an open area of research

something to ask

Uses a more verbose description about a generic sentence that can be converted to a question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a question" to introduce an inquiry or point of discussion. For example, "A question I have is, why was this decision made?". It sets up the expectation for an upcoming query.

What are some alternatives to using "a question"?

Alternatives include "an inquiry", "a query", or framing it as "a topic of discussion", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "a question"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "a question" is perfectly acceptable and often used to introduce the question you are about to ask. However, consider varying sentence structure for stylistic purposes.

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

"A question" refers to any unspecified question, while "the question" refers to a specific question already mentioned or understood in context. For instance, "A question I have is about the budget." vs "The question is, how do we allocate these funds?"."