a useful question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is helpful or beneficial in a particular context or discussion. Example: "In our meeting, I posed a useful question that prompted a deeper discussion about our project goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's a useful question because it takes us to the heart of the film, the moral universe in which the story unfolds.

Huffington Post

In so doing, it raises a useful question about explicit and implicit threats within games.

The New York Times - Tech

He is a sanctimonious party loyalist who asked a useful question for entirely selfish reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

When parents are researching schools a useful question to ask is the amount of debt that an institution has.

Independent

It is a useful question to ask what Mr Snowden should have done to have been judged a genuine whistle-blower.

The Economist

Bill Press asks a useful question: "How did Republicans so successfully hijack religion?" Part of the problem, he says, is that Democratic politicians are uncomfortable talking about God.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is not "science" but it does address a clinically useful question and does so using an appropriate scientific methodology.

F1000Research

Best answer: C As Gartner (1988) has pointed out in an influential paper, "Who is an entrepreneur?" may not be a very useful question, because the phenomenon of entrepreneurship is so vast.

Science Magazine

Thus, a more useful question is whether portraying CSR in a normative light is more or less likely to lead to more socially responsible behaviour than portraying CSR in an instrumental light.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

That's a more useful question to ask really".

The Guardian - Tech

"That's not a very useful question but I'll answer it," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a useful question", clearly articulate why it is useful – what insights will it provide, or what problems will it help solve?

Common error

Avoid describing a question as "a useful question" without providing concrete reasons for its utility. Ensure the context demonstrates its value, rather than relying on the adjective alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "useful" modifies the noun "question". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to highlight the value or benefit associated with the question being posed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a useful question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize the value and relevance of a particular inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is particularly frequent in news, media, and scientific domains. To maximize its impact, clearly articulate the reasons why the question is useful, offering tangible benefits to the discussion or problem-solving process. While alternatives such as "a helpful inquiry" or "a valuable question" exist, "a useful question" remains a direct and effective choice for highlighting the importance of a question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helpful inquiry

Substitutes "useful" with "helpful", emphasizing the assistance the question provides.

a valuable question to ask

Adds "to ask", which can be useful for providing context around asking it to someone.

a relevant question

Replaces "useful" with "relevant", shifting the focus to the question's pertinence to the topic.

an important question to consider

Emphasizes the significance of the question and the need for careful thought.

a productive line of inquiry

Shifts from a single question to a broader investigative approach.

a key question

Highlights the fundamental or essential nature of the question.

a pertinent question

Similar to relevant but can suggest a more direct and immediate connection.

a strategically important question

Emphasizes the importance of the question in the overall planning.

a thought-provoking question

Focuses on the question's ability to stimulate deeper thinking.

a valid point for discussion

Suggests that the question is a fair and reasonable topic for conversation.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a useful question" into my writing?

Use "a useful question" to introduce a query that helps clarify a complex topic, explore different perspectives, or lead to actionable insights. For example, "A useful question to ask is, 'What are the long-term implications of this decision?'"

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

You can use alternatives like "a helpful inquiry", "a valuable question", or "a relevant question" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a useful question"?

It's appropriate when the question contributes meaningfully to the discussion, offers a new perspective, or addresses a core issue. Make sure the usefulness is evident, either implicitly or explicitly.

How does "a useful question" differ from "an interesting question"?

"A useful question" emphasizes practicality and problem-solving, while "an interesting question" highlights curiosity and intellectual stimulation. "A useful question" leads to tangible outcomes, while an interesting one may simply broaden understanding.