an early question

USAGE SUMMARY

"an early question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a question that was asked at an early stage in a process or discussion. For example, "I asked the teacher an early question about the assignment, but he didn't answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"This is an early question of judgment for Theresa May.

The Guardian

With Coutts and Butterworth on board, no one doubted that Alinghi's crew work would be solid, but the design team was an early question mark.

The New York Times - Sports

I do not have the scientific knowledge to challenge or confirm this, although an early question that arises is to what extent non plant genes are being transferred into crop seeds, which does not happen with conventional hybrids.

The Guardian

However, Keswick's inability to cope with an early question regarding the annual £3m payment to Kroenke Sports and Entertainment that triggered the fiercest questions from a floor that was soon left angry and unanswered.

Independent

"An early question in every Q. & A. is 'you've told us everything that's wrong but not what we can do about it,' " she said later.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He has already won 20p for answering an earlier question.

The Guardian

QUESTION FROM BRIAN: Back to an earlier question about whether Tea Party candidates can govern.

The New Yorker

In response to an earlier question he said, "I'm not an oceanographic scientist".

The Economist

LP: There's a version here of an earlier question but maybe we'll press you a little on this.

The Guardian - Film

Which brings us back to an earlier question of whether all of this is really worth the effort.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's a difficult load for me," he replied in response to an earlier question from the same commissioner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an early question", ensure that the context clearly indicates the sequence of events, emphasizing that the question was posed at an initial stage.

Common error

Avoid using "an early question" when you mean a simple or easily answered question. "Early" refers to the timing of the question, not its difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a question based on its timing, specifically indicating that it was posed at the beginning of a process or discussion. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an early question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a question asked at the beginning of a process or discussion. According to Ludwig, its usage is verified, although relatively rare. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context highlights the initial timing of the question and avoid confusing "early" with "easy". Consider related phrases like "a preliminary inquiry" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and "early" with "preliminary", focusing on the initial nature of the question.

an initial query

Substitutes "question" with "query" and "early" with "initial", emphasizing the act of asking.

a basic point of inquiry

Replaces "early question" with a more descriptive phrase highlighting the fundamental nature of the inquiry.

a starting point for discussion

Replaces the direct questioning with a description of its function in initiating a discussion.

a first concern

Highlights the priority or importance of the question at the beginning.

a fundamental issue

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the question, framing it as an underlying issue.

a nascent problem

Shifts the focus from the question itself to the underlying problem that the question addresses at an early stage.

a primary consideration

Focuses on the question as something that needs to be thought about from the beginning.

a timely probe

Highlights the relevance of the question at an opportune or critical time.

an opening gambit

Frames the question as an initial move or strategy in a discussion or negotiation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an early question" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a preliminary inquiry" or "an initial query". These options convey a sense of formality and precision.

Is it better to say "an early question" or "a first question"?

Both "an early question" and "a first question" are grammatically correct. However, "an early question" often implies that the question is important because it is raised at the beginning of a process or discussion, while "a first question" simply denotes the order in which the questions are asked.

What's the difference between "an early question" and "an earlier question"?

"An early question" refers to a question asked at the beginning of a process or discussion. "An earlier question" refers to a question that was asked before another question or event.

When is it appropriate to use "an early question" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "an early question" when you want to highlight that a question or issue was brought up at the initial stages of a project, discussion, or investigation, indicating its importance or relevance to the subsequent events.