an appropriate question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appropriate question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is suitable or relevant in a particular context. Example: "During the discussion, she raised an appropriate question about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"That's not an appropriate question," Joanna said.

The New Yorker

And is that even an appropriate question?

The New York Times

How was she? never quite seemed an appropriate question.

The Guardian

"I don't feel that's an appropriate question," he said.

The New York Times

"It's an appropriate question to ask whether the world now admits of that.

The New York Times

"I still think it was an appropriate question to ask," Mr. Morrison insisted last week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

question, "would be a very appropriate question to ask in an informational interview, but not at your job interview," adds Bouchez.

Science Magazine

Or perhaps a more appropriate question: do you even have a budget?

Forbes

A more appropriate question would be, "what is more important for a population, a health system that delivers equitable (fairly distributed) health outcomes or a health system that maximises health gains?" The difference between the meaningless first question (which does not contrast outcomes) and the potentially meaningful second question (which does contrast outcomes) is critical.

BMC Public Health

That is a very appropriate question to ask and one that I do not have an answer for you today.--Elliot Schrage, Google vice president for corporate communications and public affairs, testifying before Congress about Google.cn on Feb. 15, 2006.

Forbes

Where's the fish is a more appropriate question for Long Islanders than where's the beef.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, framing "an appropriate question" is crucial for research. It should be clear, focused, and contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid formulating questions that are too general or lack specific focus. Ensure the question is manageable and yields meaningful answers. For example, instead of asking a vague question about customer satisfaction, ask "What specific aspects of our service can be improved to enhance customer satisfaction?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appropriate question" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It identifies a question that is suitable or fitting for a specific context. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various scenarios where relevance and suitability are key considerations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an appropriate question" is a versatile phrase used to describe a query that is fitting and relevant within a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. The key to using this phrase effectively lies in ensuring that the question is well-aligned with the context and purpose of the communication. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "a suitable query" or "a relevant question". Avoiding overly broad or unfocused questions is crucial to eliciting meaningful responses. Overall, mastering the art of asking "an appropriate question" is essential for effective communication and problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable query

Replaces "appropriate" with "suitable", indicating a question that fits the context.

an apt question

Replaces 'appropriate' with 'apt', indicating a question that is particularly well-suited or fitting.

a fitting inquiry

Substitutes "appropriate" with "fitting" and "question" with "inquiry", suggesting a question that is well-suited.

a relevant question

Uses "relevant" instead of "appropriate", emphasizing the question's pertinence to the matter at hand.

a pertinent query

Replaces both words for a more formal tone, while retaining similar meaning.

a well-placed question

Focuses on the timing and context of the question being suitable.

a valid question

Emphasizes the legitimacy or justification of the question.

a justified inquiry

Highlights that the question is warranted or has a good reason behind it.

a correct question

Implies that the question is accurate or rightly formed.

a proper question

Suggests the question adheres to conventional standards of conduct.

FAQs

How do you use "an appropriate question" in a sentence?

You can use "an appropriate question" to describe a query that is relevant and suitable for a particular situation. For example, "During the meeting, she raised "an appropriate question" about the budget allocation.".

What can I say instead of "an appropriate question"?

You can use alternatives like "a suitable query", "a relevant question", or "a pertinent query" depending on the context.

When is a question considered "an appropriate question"?

A question is considered ""an appropriate question"" when it is relevant to the topic at hand, respectful of the audience, and contributes to a meaningful discussion or understanding.

What makes a question inappropriate?

A question may be inappropriate if it is irrelevant, offensive, or seeks to elicit personal information that is not pertinent to the situation. It's important to consider the context and potential impact before asking "an appropriate question".