a supplementary question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supplementary question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to ask an additional question that adds to or clarifies a previous inquiry. Example: "Before we move on, I have a supplementary question regarding the budget proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Responsive questioning can take place through zooming, in which a teacher poses a supplementary question that focuses on general concepts or fine distinctions (e.g., "Hmmm, yes. And which essential principal of accounting can you discover in the current example?").

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

The notion that sexual predators exist in communities raises a supplementary question about why those close to them apparently don't notice danger signs or fail to act.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, having answered No, the jury are asked a supplementary question: was there any behaviour on the part of supporters that may have caused or contributed to the dangerous situation at the Leppings Lane turnstiles?

The Guardian - Sport

There's always a supplementary question you wish somebody asked, in this case: "How the hell did you describe it?" I'm pleased to report that free radio apps are getting better.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even if they were doing it to make money, they may well not have seen it as a form of cheating because there's a supplementary question to ask here: is the climate of corruption so deep within Pakistan cricket that this was viewed as unexceptional?

The Guardian

When I replied that I thought between 10 and 15 million people knew, the psychiatrist asked me a supplementary question in a tone which was kind, if not clinical: "Have you ever suffered from delusions?" Prison is a good place for shedding delusions.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As a (voluntary) supplementary question – tell us about your favourite song from the Britpop era.

The Guardian - Music

I tried to digest Coleman's thoughts at the same time as formulating an intelligent supplementary question.

The Guardian - Music

This information was used in the present validation study with a few supplementary questions related to general health and satisfaction with oral health.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It would be interesting to investigate this in more detail in future studies using the CarerQol, for instance by adding a few supplementary questions about the amount, type and perceived quality of support.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

I asked the supplementary question "how is a text like a clause complex?"; and it seemed to me that a rhetorical-relational analysis of a text based on RST brings out the answer: a text is a rhetorical complex.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a supplementary question" to smoothly transition into a related but distinct inquiry, especially after an initial question has been answered or addressed.

Common error

Avoid replacing simpler terms like "additional question" with "a supplementary question" in informal contexts, as it can sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supplementary question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce an additional question that is related to the primary topic of discussion. Ludwig confirms that this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supplementary question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an additional, related inquiry. Ludwig indicates this usage aligns with standard English grammar. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, and it carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic discussions. While alternatives like "an additional question" and "a follow-up question" exist, "a supplementary question" is appropriate when a slightly more formal tone is desired. It is important to use this phrase judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional question

Focuses on the aspect of adding more questions.

a follow-up question

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the inquiry.

an extra question

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning.

a secondary question

Emphasizes that this question comes after the initial one.

a further question

Simply adds another question, slightly more formal.

a probing question

Highlights the in-depth or investigative nature of the question.

a clarifying question

Focuses on resolving ambiguity or confusion.

a related question

Highlights the interconnectedness of the new question to the previous one.

a supporting question

Highlights the bolstering nature of the question that add information to support initial claim.

an augmenting question

Highlights the enhancing nature of the question.

FAQs

How to use "a supplementary question" in a sentence?

You can use "a supplementary question" to introduce an additional inquiry that builds upon a previous one. For example, "After discussing the budget, I have "a supplementary question" regarding resource allocation".

What can I say instead of "a supplementary question"?

You can use alternatives like "an additional question", "a follow-up question", or "a clarifying question" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a supplementary question"?

It's appropriate when you want to ask an extra question that is related to the main topic but requires further clarification or exploration. It is common in formal settings like meetings, interviews, or academic discussions.

Is "a supplementary question" more formal than "an additional question"?

Yes, "a supplementary question" tends to be more formal and is often used in professional or academic settings. "An additional question" is generally acceptable in most contexts and is slightly less formal.