a question for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a question or topic of discussion, such as in the following example: "A question for everyone here - what is your favorite type of book to read?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a question for 2012".

The New York Times

Got a question for Alys?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is a question for another night.

The New York Times

That's not a question for us".

The New York Times - Sports

That is a question for the S.E.C.

The New York Times

Have a question for Mr. Naylor?

The New York Times

"OK, I have a question for you.

The Guardian - Film

"But I have a question for him.

The Economist

Have a question for Mr. Friedman?

The New York Times

Is this a question for the mystic?

The New Yorker

That's a question for the N.C.A.A.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question for" when you want to directly address a query to a specific person, group, or entity. For example, "A question for the panel: how will this policy affect small businesses?"

Common error

Avoid using "a question for" when posing a purely rhetorical question or one that doesn't require a direct response. Instead, rephrase to make it clear the question is meant for self-reflection or general consideration, not for a specific individual to answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question for" functions as an introductory phrase to direct a question to a specific individual, group, or entity. It sets the stage for an inquiry, prompting a response from the intended recipient, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

35%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question for" is a versatile phrase used to directly address an inquiry to a specific recipient. It's grammatically correct and very common across various domains like news, academia, and general conversation. While adaptable, ensure it's used when a direct response is expected, avoiding purely rhetorical scenarios. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable in written English, and is supported by numerous real-world examples, demonstrating its wide applicability and natural integration into both formal and informal communication. The phrase is also used with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inquiry directed to

Focuses on the act of directing a question or inquiry.

a query concerning

Emphasizes the nature of the question being about something.

something to ask

Offers a general way to introduce a question.

a point for discussion with

Frames the question as a topic for conversation or debate.

an issue to explore with

Highlights the exploratory aspect of the question.

a matter to raise with

Suggests bringing up a topic for consideration.

a subject for consideration by

Similar to 'matter to raise' but emphasizes a more formal approach.

something I'd like to ask

More conversational and personal.

I'm curious about

Expresses personal curiosity leading to a question.

I'm wondering about

Indicates a thought process that leads to a question.

FAQs

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

Use "a question for" to introduce a query directed at someone. For example: "A question for the experts: What are the long-term effects of this technology?"

What are some alternatives to "a question for"?

You can use alternatives like "an inquiry directed to", "a query concerning", or "something to ask" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a question for" in formal writing?

Yes, "a question for" is appropriate in formal writing when directly addressing a question to a specific audience. However, consider more formal alternatives like "an inquiry directed to" for academic or business contexts.

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

"A question for" directs the question to someone, while "a question about" indicates the topic of the question. For example, "A question for the doctor: what are the side effects?" versus "A question about the side effects: are they common?"