a second question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a second question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when a speaker or writer wants to introduce a follow-up question or additional query related to the previous one. Example: "Thank you for answering my first question. Now, I have a second question about your research methodology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A second question is content.

The New York Times

Oh and a second question.

The Guardian

But for American boomers it raises a second question.

The Economist

A second question is how far that trend will go.

The Economist

"I'm not sure I have a second question," said Fittler.

The Guardian - Sport

A second question is how did Amref procure the contractor?

The Guardian

She now has a vocabulary of about 200.All of this, however, raises a second question.

The Economist

The approach to the debate raised a second question about Mr Fini.

The Economist

A second question is historical: how, in practice, do scientists work?

The Economist

A second question was edgy: would Obama accept a roll call vote at the convention?

The Economist

A second question concerns how he will relate to Romano Prodi.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple questions, use "a second question" to clearly signal progression and maintain clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid starting every sentence with phrases like "a second question". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a second question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an appositive phrase, used to introduce an additional inquiry or point for consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a second question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a subsequent query or point, confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its function is to signal a transition to another related topic in a discussion, primarily in news, media, and scientific contexts. Related alternatives include "another question" and "a follow-up question". While effective, avoid overusing such phrases to maintain writing clarity. Utilize this phrase when clear transitions are crucial for structured communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another question

Replaces "second" with "another", indicating an additional question without specifying order.

a follow-up question

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the question, indicating it directly relates to the previous one.

a further question

Similar to "another question", suggesting an additional question for consideration.

my next question

Indicates the progression to the next item in a series of questions from the speaker's perspective.

the subsequent question

Formally denotes the question that follows the current one.

a related question

Highlights the connection between the new question and a preceding one.

in addition to that, a question

More explicitly signals that you are adding another query to what has already been discussed.

secondly, a question

Uses a transitional adverb to mark the introduction of the second question.

on a related note, a question

Introduces the question as being thematically linked but not necessarily a direct follow-up.

a different question

Suggests that the question is distinct from the previous one, though perhaps still relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a second question" to introduce a follow-up inquiry. For example, "The first issue is funding; "a second question" is how to allocate the budget".

What phrases are similar to "a second question"?

Similar phrases include "another question", "a follow-up question", or "my next question". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it always necessary to use "a second question" when asking a follow-up?

No, it isn't always necessary. You can often transition smoothly without explicitly labeling the question as "a second question". However, it can provide clarity, especially in formal settings or when dealing with complex topics.

Which is better, "a second question" or "secondly, a question"?

"A second question" is generally more concise and direct. "Secondly, a question" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly formal or stilted. Use "a second question" for most situations.