a stellar question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stellar question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compliment someone on the quality or thoughtfulness of their question, often in discussions or academic settings. Example: "During the seminar, she asked a stellar question that prompted a lively debate among the panelists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a stellar question for spurring self-improvement because we all have things we could be doing better.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some of his works Parmenides is a stellar example—do confine themselves to exploring questions that seem to have no bearing whatsoever on practical life.

SEP

What wasn't really in question was Ilya Kovalchuk, who had a stellar night, landing two assists and a goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Morrison said Publicis's digital credentials should not be questioned, as it has been a stellar performer in terms of acquistions and picking up individual talent.

The Guardian

Both leads give Oscar-caliber performances in this powerful film, which also boasts a stellar turn by newcomer Dakota Fanning as Lucy, the daughter in question.

Huffington Post

You don't want to give a stellar presentation and then have it peter off into a series of irrelevant questions.

WikiHow

In 1925, the astronomer Edwin Hubble set that question to rest in a paper in Ap.J. titled "A Spiral Nebula as a Stellar System, Messier 31".

The New York Times - Science

When many questioned his growth strategy when Amazon produced gallons of red ink, he remained patient and built a stellar brand.

Huffington Post

And a stellar salesman.

The New York Times

A stellar karaoke session.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A stellar legal career ensued.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stellar question" to positively reinforce insightful or particularly helpful inquiries, especially in settings where thoughtful engagement is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "a stellar question" in overly casual or informal settings, as the phrase can sound affected or insincere if not used judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stellar question" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'question'. It serves to highlight the exceptional quality or impact of the question, indicating it is noteworthy or particularly insightful, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stellar question" is a phrase used to describe an inquiry of exceptional quality or insight. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use, though examples suggest it is relatively rare. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it serves to positively reinforce insightful inquiries. While appropriate for neutral settings, avoid overuse in overly casual scenarios. Consider alternatives like "an excellent question" or "an insightful question" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent question

Replaces "stellar" with a more common synonym to convey the high quality of the question.

a brilliant question

Uses "brilliant" to emphasize the intelligence and insightfulness behind the question.

an outstanding question

Substitutes "stellar" with "outstanding", highlighting the exceptional nature of the question.

a remarkable question

Replaces "stellar" to underscore the noteworthy or impressive quality of the question.

an insightful question

Focuses on the depth and understanding demonstrated by the question.

a profound question

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the question being asked.

a thought-provoking question

Highlights the question's ability to stimulate deep thinking.

a well-crafted question

Focuses on the skill and care with which the question was formulated.

a perceptive question

Emphasizes the questioner's ability to understand and discern.

a top-notch question

Uses a more informal term to describe the excellent quality of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stellar question" to describe an inquiry that is exceptionally insightful or thought-provoking. For example, "During the conference, she posed "a stellar question" about the future of AI ethics".

What are some alternatives to saying "a stellar question"?

Alternatives include "an excellent question", "an insightful question", or "a brilliant question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a stellar question" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to highlight the exceptional quality of an inquiry in a professional or academic setting.

What makes a question "stellar"?

A "stellar" question is one that is particularly insightful, well-formulated, and capable of generating meaningful discussion or progress in understanding. It goes beyond the ordinary to elicit deeper thought or new perspectives.