a very interesting question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very interesting question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when responding to someone who has posed a question that you find thought-provoking or engaging. Example: "Thank you for your inquiry; that is a very interesting question that deserves further exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They [diabetic nurse specialists] prefer working behind protocols, having a system... .......... (HCP02, GP with a specialist interest)) "It's a very interesting question because we don't do very much of it.

BMJ Open

It's a very interesting question.

University of California, Berkeley

You have a very interesting question!

Cornell University

Lying is a very interesting question.

The Guardian

EB: That's a very interesting question.

The Guardian - Film

JILL LEPORE: That's a very interesting question.

The New Yorker

"That's a very interesting question," he said.

The New York Times

"So that's a very interesting question," he said, leaning forward.

The New Yorker

Because that's really going to be a very interesting question.

The Washington Post

"That's a very interesting question," Mr. Zobel said.

The New York Times

I admit it: that's a very interesting question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To elevate your acknowledgement to even more sophisticated language, consider to start with this phrase to express your gratitude towards the speaker who came up with such a unique idea.

Common error

Avoid using "a very interesting question" as a mere filler. Always ensure your response provides a substantive answer or further insight; otherwise, it can sound dismissive or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very interesting question" primarily functions as an acknowledgement and transition. It expresses appreciation for the query and signals that a thoughtful response will follow. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

39%

Science & Research

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very interesting question" serves as a polite and engaging way to acknowledge a thought-provoking inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequent appearance across diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic institutions underscores its versatility. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "a truly fascinating question" or "a remarkably thought-provoking question". Remember that it’s best used as a genuine expression of interest, setting the stage for a thoughtful and comprehensive response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a truly fascinating question

Replaces "very interesting" with "truly fascinating", emphasizing a stronger sense of captivation.

a particularly intriguing question

Substitutes "very interesting" with "particularly intriguing", suggesting a mysterious or captivating quality.

a genuinely compelling question

Replaces "very interesting" with "genuinely compelling", indicating that the question is persuasive and attention-grabbing.

a remarkably thought-provoking question

Substitutes "very interesting" with "remarkably thought-provoking", emphasizing the question's capacity to stimulate deep thinking.

an exceptionally stimulating question

Replaces "very interesting" with "exceptionally stimulating", highlighting the question's ability to excite the mind.

a noteworthy inquiry

Replaces the entire phrase with "a noteworthy inquiry", offering a more concise and formal alternative.

a captivating line of inquiry

Replaces "question" with "line of inquiry", suggesting a series of related questions that are highly engaging.

a point worthy of consideration

Shifts the focus to the importance of the point raised by the question, rather than the question itself.

an issue deserving exploration

Emphasizes the need to investigate the issue that the question brings up.

a matter of considerable importance

Highlights the significance of the topic introduced by the question.

FAQs

How can I use "a very interesting question" in a sentence?

You can use "a very interesting question" as a transition to indicate that you appreciate the question and are about to provide a thoughtful answer. For instance, "That's a very interesting question; let's explore the various factors involved."

What are some alternatives to saying "a very interesting question"?

You can use alternatives such as "a truly fascinating question", "a particularly intriguing question", or "a remarkably thought-provoking question" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate to use "a very interesting question" when you genuinely find the question to be thought-provoking, complex, or insightful. It signals that you appreciate the question and are willing to engage with it seriously.

Is "a very interesting question" formal or informal?

"A very interesting question" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional or academic contexts.