a timid question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a timid question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a question that someone asked hesitantly or to describe the hesitancy of a speaker asking a question. Example: She asked the professor her question in a timid voice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A timid question about climate change prompted derision and talk of sub-zero temperatures outside.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thinking as a woman, she ends phrases in timid question marks ("I'm Jenny Boylan?") and starts thinking she ought to lose weight.

The New York Times - Books

Our waitress responded to my timid questions about the oysters with a pseudopopulist arrogance that implied I was both hopelessly out of touch with the everyday experience of fishermen and boat owners, and too much a rube to comprehend the subtle distinctions of taste and class that characterized the world of the fancy shellfish.

The New York Times

And a timid approach.

The New York Times - Sports

He mimes a timid huddle.

The Guardian

A timid person; a coward.

The Guardian - Books

Nobody likes a timid yipster.

The New York Times

"Panache is therefore a timid heroism..

The New Yorker

Then she was a timid newcomer.

The New York Times

At first, he was a timid Galileo.

The New Yorker

Calling us collectively a TIMID SISSY?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a timid question" when you want to emphasize the speaker's lack of confidence or hesitancy. It adds a layer of understanding to the context of the question.

Common error

Avoid using "a timid question" when the issue at hand is genuinely unimportant, rather than reflecting the speaker's demeanor. The phrase focuses on the speaker's disposition, not the question's relevance.

Linguistic Context

"A timid question" functions as a noun phrase, where "timid" modifies the noun "question". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to depict someone who is hesitant or lacks confidence when asking something. The examples provided by Ludwig corroborate this interpretation, showing its use in describing a character's action or someone's remark.

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 timid question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an inquiry delivered with hesitation or a lack of confidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable for use in written English. While not overly frequent, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying nuances about the speaker's emotional state or disposition. It is advisable to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the speaker's lack of confidence or hesitancy in asking a question, while avoiding its use when the question is genuinely unimportant. Related phrases, such as "a hesitant inquiry" or "a shy query", offer similar but nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hesitant inquiry

Focuses on the hesitancy in the manner of asking.

a shy query

Emphasizes the shyness associated with the question.

a cautious question

Highlights the cautiousness behind the question.

a diffident inquiry

Uses a more formal synonym for 'timid'.

a subdued question

Suggests the question was asked in a low or quiet tone.

a gentle question

Focuses on the non-aggressive nature of the question.

a mild inquiry

Highlights the lack of intensity in the question.

a reserved question

Emphasizes the restrained nature of the question.

a sheepish question

Implies embarrassment or awkwardness in asking.

a weak question

Highlights the lack of force or confidence behind the question.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a timid question" to sound more assertive?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a direct question", "a bold question", or "a pointed question" to convey more assertiveness.

What does it mean when someone asks "a timid question"?

It often indicates the person is hesitant, shy, or lacks confidence in their understanding or the appropriateness of the question.

Is there a difference between "a timid question" and "a hesitant inquiry"?

The phrases are very similar. "A timid question" emphasizes shyness or fear, while "a hesitant inquiry" focuses more on the pause or reluctance before asking.

When is it appropriate to describe a question as "timid"?

It's appropriate when the manner in which the question is asked—the tone, body language, or context—suggests a lack of confidence or a fear of potential negative repercussions.