an empty question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an empty question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that lacks substance or depth, often implying that it does not elicit meaningful or useful information. Example: "When he asked if I was happy, it felt like an empty question, as he didn't really want to know the answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In an interview with the Russian state news agency, Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said: "For us this is not an empty question.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These are not at all empty questions, I think, when many take ecological issues to be among the most consequential for the world at large.

The New York Times

So what's wrong with Radio 3? "That's a real half empty question.

The Guardian

This is an empty terminological question.

SEP

I love the end of the 1969 movie "Downhill Racer," where Robert Redford gets the gold medal and yet winning seems like this empty question mark.

The New Yorker

But that does not mean that moral questions are empty questions or pseudo-questions.

The Guardian

But just like Miliband aligning himself with the Everyday Sexism project, backing this popular campaign is essentially meaningless in isolation and his support of it must not be fed by empty questions from the media.

Independent

These aren't empty questions; they are at the core of corporate governance.

Forbes

"It's a glass-half-full or half-empty question," said Bill Matthews, the president of the State Regulatory Registry, a subsidiary of the Conference of State Banking Supervisors.

The New York Times

It's a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty question.

The New York Times

There was a touch of good fortune about their second, with Micah Richards' attempted clearance bouncing back off Agüero's shin and into an empty net, though no question that Villa had been opened up again through Silva and Bony, the latter making up for his lacklustre finishing with a measured through ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an empty question", ensure the context clearly indicates why the question lacks substance or purpose. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the question's futility.

Common error

Avoid using "an empty question" to describe a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is asked for effect, not because it lacks substance. Using "rhetorical question" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an empty question" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase describes a question lacking substance or merit, highlighting its lack of value or purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an empty question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a question that lacks substance or purpose. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is found in contexts ranging from news media to scientific discussions. While generally neutral in register, the choice of using this phrase in formal writing should be carefully considered in favor of more precise language when possible. The phrase is not very frequent in its use, however, can be replaced by alternatives such as "a meaningless question" or "a futile question" to provide a more specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningless question

Substitutes "empty" with "meaningless" to directly address the lack of significance.

an insignificant question

Replaces "empty" with "insignificant," stressing the lack of importance.

a futile question

Focuses on the ineffectiveness of the question in achieving a desirable result.

a pointless inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and emphasizes the lack of a valuable outcome.

a hollow question

Emphasizes the insincerity and lack of depth in the question.

a vacuous question

Emphasizes the lack of content or substance in the question.

a superficial question

Highlights the lack of thoroughness or deep thought behind the question.

a trivial question

Indicates the question's unimportance or lack of serious value.

a vapid question

Highlights the lack of intellectual stimulation or interest the question provides.

a rhetorical question

Implies the question is asked for effect rather than to elicit information.

FAQs

What does "an empty question" mean?

The phrase "an empty question" refers to a question that lacks substance, purpose, or genuine intent. It often implies that the question is not worth asking because it doesn't elicit meaningful or useful information.

How can I use "an empty question" in a sentence?

You might say, "Asking whether he cared at all felt like "a meaningless question", given his actions."

What are some alternatives to "an empty question"?

Alternatives include "a pointless inquiry", "a futile question", or "a hollow question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an empty question" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, the phrase "an empty question" may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise language to convey the specific deficiency of the question such as "a superficial question" or "a trivial question".