a question like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an example of a question that is similar to what you are discussing. Example: "When considering the topic of climate change, a question like 'What are the main causes of global warming?' can help guide the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't ask me a question like that.

The New York Times

Sometimes a question like that can be hard to answer.

The New York Times

"You (reporter) are nobody to put a question like that.

Independent

Don't ask me a question like that – I'm not biting.

Independent

"Why you asking a question like that?" he said.

The New York Times - Sports

DEB, New York A. It takes a lot of time to answer a question like that.

The New York Times

"I wish I had time to answer a question like that".

The New York Times

"I really hesitate to answer a question like that," he told Mr. Keahon.

The New York Times

It is probably not the function of the author to answer a question like that.

The New Yorker

— Nancy With a question like this, there's always the risk of hindsight bias.

The New York Times

They don't have any way of engaging a question like that," Mr. Collins said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question like", ensure the example question clearly illustrates the point you are making. The example should be directly relevant and easily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using overly broad or ambiguous examples after "a question like". A weak example can confuse your audience and undermine your argument. Always ensure your example is specific and directly supports your point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question like" functions as an introductory phrase to provide an example of a specific type of inquiry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It serves to set the stage for a concrete instance of a question related to the broader topic under discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question like" is a versatile phrase used to introduce example questions to clarify or illustrate a point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While it's suitable for a wide array of writing styles, it's crucial to ensure the example question is relevant and specific. Alternatives such as "a question such as" offer more formal options. The phrase's frequent appearance in news, media, and wiki sources underscores its broad applicability and understandability. Therefore, use "a question like" to enhance clarity and provide relatable examples to engage your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question such as

Uses "such as" to introduce an example, which is a more formal alternative.

a question similar to

Highlights the similarity between the given question and others of its kind.

a question along the lines of

Suggests the question is representative of a general theme or type.

a question akin to

Uses "akin to" to denote a close resemblance, providing a slightly more sophisticated tone.

a question like the following

Explicitly indicates that an example question will be presented next.

an example question being

Structures the phrase to emphasize the example nature of the question.

a sample question is

Presents the question as a representative sample from a larger set.

imagine a question like

Introduces a hypothetical question for illustrative purposes.

consider a question such as

Encourages the audience to think about a particular type of question.

a question that resembles

Focuses on the resemblance between the given question and another concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "a question like" to introduce an example question that illustrates a point. For instance, "When discussing personal finance, "a question like" 'How much debt do I have?' is crucial."

What are some alternatives to "a question like"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a question such as", "a question similar to", or "a question along the lines of", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a question like" or "such as"?

Both ""a question like"" and "such as" are correct, but "such as" is generally considered more formal. The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

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

"A question like" specifically introduces an example question, while "for example" is a broader term used to introduce any kind of example, not necessarily a question. The first is more precise when you want to give a sample of an interrogation.