a question about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question about" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "I have a question about the job application process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ask a question about it.

The New York Times

It is a question about freedom".

The New York Times

Laughing at a question about fiscal responsibility.

Independent

WILLIAMS: Governor Perry, a question about Texas.

The New York Times

"This is not a question about nutrition.

The New York Times

I venture a question about Cumberbatch.

Independent

I venture a question about him.

Independent

This is ultimately a question about motive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another farmer had a question about ethanol.

The New Yorker

She had a question about her anatomy.

The New Yorker

Then a question about costings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question about", ensure that the subject of the question is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "a question about" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "an inquiry regarding" or "a query concerning" might be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question about" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a topic of inquiry or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. The examples show its versatile application in various contexts, highlighting its role in framing questions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question about" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a specific topic of inquiry or concern. As Ludwig AI states, its versatile nature makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register that allows for broad application. While alternatives like "an inquiry regarding" exist for more formal settings, "a question about" remains a reliable and widely understood way to initiate a discussion or seek clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inquiry regarding

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and uses "regarding" instead of "about", offering a more formal tone.

a query concerning

Uses "query" as a synonym for "question" and "concerning" instead of "about", providing a slightly more formal nuance.

a concern regarding

Substitutes "question" with "concern", shifting the focus to a worry or issue.

a subject of inquiry

Presents the topic as something to be investigated or examined.

an issue relating to

Replaces "question" with "issue" and uses "relating to" to specify the topic, framing it as a problem or matter.

a matter concerning

Frames the topic as a "matter" of discussion or importance, using "concerning" to link it.

a subject concerning

Presents the topic as something to be discussed.

a point about

Uses "point" instead of "question", suggesting a specific idea or argument related to the topic.

a request for information on

Replaces the question with a request.

a problem with

Highlights a difficulty or challenge associated with the topic.

FAQs

How do I use "a question about" in a sentence?

You can use "a question about" to introduce a specific inquiry. For example, "I have a question about the new policy" or "There is a question about the budget allocation".

What can I say instead of "a question about"?

You can use alternatives such as "an inquiry regarding", "a concern regarding", or "a query concerning" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a question regarding" instead of "a question about"?

Yes, "a question regarding" is grammatically correct and often used in more formal contexts. It is largely interchangeable with "a question about", although the latter is more common in everyday language.

What's the difference between "a question about" and "an issue relating to"?

While both phrases introduce a topic, "a question about" specifically indicates an inquiry, whereas "an issue relating to" suggests a problem or matter of concern. The choice depends on whether you're posing an inquiry or highlighting a problem.