a question that was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question that was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific question that has been previously mentioned or asked. Example: "I remember a question that was raised during the meeting about our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But what if you posed a question that was impossible to decide by numbers alone?

The New York Times

This is a question that was no doubt asked by many individuals on Super Bowl Sunday.

Independent

Here's a question that was posted on thespruce.com, a home lifestyle website.

The Washington Post

It is a question that was not resolved Sunday, because the election was effectively not contested.

The New York Times

"I think Tony was responding to a question that was very hypothetical," Morrison said.

The Guardian

And it was, like, a question that was never asked to me.

The Washington Post

Today's mailbag brings a question that was on every teacher's lips a few years ago.

The New York Times

But now, he said, he had a question that was sure to stump me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He likes a question that's answerable.

The New Yorker

That's a question that's not asked often".

The New York Times

That's a question that's hard to answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a question that was" with more specific phrasing if the context allows, such as "a previously addressed question" or "a question raised earlier", to enhance conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "a question that was" without providing sufficient context regarding when the question was relevant. Failing to specify the time frame can confuse readers about the question's current significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question that was" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun ("question"). It introduces information about a specific question, typically one already known or under consideration. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question that was" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to specify a particular question previously asked or considered. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide usage. It functions as a relative clause, providing context about the noun "question". While suitable for various registers, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure clear temporal reference to avoid ambiguity, and consider more specific phrasings for conciseness. Overall, it's a versatile tool for referencing past inquiries in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a query that was posed

Uses "query" instead of "question" and "posed" instead of "was", which emphasizes the act of presenting or asking the question.

a query that existed

Replaces "question" with "query" and uses "existed" to emphasize the past existence, altering the focus slightly from the act of questioning to the existence of a query.

a problem that arose

Substitutes "question" with "problem", shifting the context to an issue or challenge that came up in the past.

a point that was raised

Focuses on the act of bringing up a point, rather than the nature of the question itself.

an inquiry that transpired

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and "was" with "transpired", making the phrase more formal and emphasizing the unfolding of the inquiry.

a matter that surfaced

Uses "matter" instead of "question" and "surfaced" for "was", suggesting something previously hidden became known.

an issue that came up

Replaces "question" with "issue" and uses the phrasal verb "came up", indicating that the issue arose or was brought to attention.

a topic that was discussed

Shifts the focus to the discussion of a topic, implying a broader conversation than just a question.

something that was asked

Generalizes "a question" to "something", broadening the scope but losing the specific nature of the query.

a concern that emerged

Replaces question to a concern, this changes the meaning of the entire sentence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a question that was" to refer to a query previously mentioned or considered. For example: "The article addressed "a question that was" frequently asked by readers."

What phrases are similar to "a question that was"?

Alternatives include "a query that was posed", "a point that was raised", or "an issue that came up", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a question that had been" instead of "a question that was"?

Both "a question that was" and "a question that had been" are grammatically correct, but they imply different time frames. "A question that was" generally refers to something in the recent past, while "a question that had been" suggests something further in the past.

What's the difference between "a question that was" and "a question that is"?

"A question that was" refers to a query considered or asked in the past, while "a question that is" refers to a current or ongoing query. The choice depends on whether the question is still relevant or has been resolved.