a terrible question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a question is poorly formulated, inappropriate, or difficult to answer. Example: "While I appreciate your curiosity, I must say that was a terrible question to ask in this context."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It is a terrible question".

The Guardian - Books

"Behind these poems," he wrote, "lurks a terrible question that has no answer".

The Guardian - Music

(4) This is actually a terrible question, as soup is one of the few 'self-levelling' meals.

The Guardian - Music

This was a terrible question, and they were asking it of themselves, not because they could have saved Farai from the mob but because they felt vaguely ashamed they had not died at his side.

The New York Times - Magazine

Field Marshal Lord Bramall told the Sunday Telegraph there was a "terrible question mark" over whether enough reservists would be found.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Connelly is so silent that I tell her she looks as if I have asked a really terrible question.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a really terrible question, I realize I'm phrasing it badly, but can you talk about how you achieve that?

Huffington Post

In year three of a punishing drought, the terrible question arises: What if it just never rains again?

The New Yorker

Drugs, of course, became an answer to that terrible question: what do you do?

Vice

The slow movement is impatient and impassioned, and when this music returns towards the very end it leaves a terrible unanswered question hanging.

The Guardian - Music

For Kouchner, ingérence was the answer to the terrible question raised by the Holocaust.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible question", ensure the context clearly indicates why the question is considered terrible. Be specific: is it insensitive, poorly worded, or simply unanswerable?

Common error

Avoid using "terrible" too frequently in your writing; explore synonyms like "awful", "dreadful", or "horrific" to provide a more nuanced description of the question's shortcomings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "terrible" serving as an adjective modifying the noun "question". As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves to categorize or describe a specific type of question.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible question" is a grammatically correct but infrequent phrase used to express strong disapproval of a question due to its inappropriateness, poor formulation, or difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase functions as a noun phrase with an adjective modifier. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the reason why the question is considered terrible, and avoid overusing the adjective. Consider using alternative phrases like "an awful question" or "an inappropriate question" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An awful question

Replaces "terrible" with "awful", indicating a question of very poor quality.

A dreadful question

Substitutes "terrible" with "dreadful", implying the question is extremely unpleasant or alarming.

A horrible question

Replaces "terrible" with "horrible", conveying a sense of shock and disgust regarding the question.

An inappropriate question

Focuses on the unsuitability of the question in a given context.

A badly phrased question

Highlights issues with the question's formulation and clarity.

An insensitive question

Emphasizes that the question is tactless and likely to cause offense.

A difficult question to answer

Indicates that the question poses a significant challenge in providing a response.

A loaded question

Suggests that the question contains hidden assumptions or biases.

A poorly conceived question

Implies that the question was not well thought out or planned.

A misguided question

Suggests that the question is based on faulty reasoning or incorrect information.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible question" to describe a query that is inappropriate, poorly formulated, or difficult to answer. For example, "Asking about someone's weight is often "a terrible question"".

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

You can use alternatives like "an awful question", "an inappropriate question", or "a poorly phrased question" depending on the specific reason the question is problematic.

What makes a question "a terrible question"?

A question can be "a terrible question" for various reasons, including insensitivity, irrelevance, lack of clarity, or the potential to cause offense. It often depends on the specific context and audience.

Is it always negative to call something "a terrible question"?

Yes, calling something "a terrible question" is generally negative. It implies that the question is flawed in some significant way, whether due to its content, phrasing, or timing.