an immediate question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an immediate question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that requires prompt attention or response. Example: "Before we move on to the next topic, I have an immediate question regarding the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I hear they won prizes for their egg and spoon race last week?" By dismissing the question briefly at the beginning and replacing it with an immediate question of interest to the questioner, then the conversation starts to naturally weave right away from your not-so-impending nuptials.

WikiHow

This leads to an immediate question and then to two larger and more substantive ones.

Independent

All this prompts an immediate question about the sustainability of economic growth as a whole.

The Guardian

That is an immediate question in El Salvador, which held the first round of its presidential election on February 2nd.

The Economist

Online, he added, students lose the ability to ask an immediate question in class, during breaks or right after the lecture.

The New York Times

Which raises an immediate question: Might Mr. Kelley be planning to kill off Denny Crane, leaving Alan Shore bereft and bereaved?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But if you're an investor, you probably have a more immediate question in mind: namely, has the sell-off in financial stocks ended?

The New York Times

Wayne and Judy have a more immediate question: they want to know their son's long-term prognosis.

The New York Times - Magazine

A more immediate question is how Hicks would get the Rangers' current $131 million payroll under $102 million.

The New York Times - Sports

A more immediate question is whether the suspension of contact extends to all members of the Palestinian Authority.

The New York Times

To its production team, meanwhile, the show has posed a more immediate question: how to put public toilets on stage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or scientific writing, use "an immediate question" to introduce a key issue or challenge that arises directly from the preceding discussion, indicating the next logical step in the analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "an immediate question" when you simply mean a question is important. "Immediate" emphasizes timing and direct relevance, not inherent significance. If the timing isn't crucial, consider alternatives like "a key question" or "a significant question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an immediate question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "immediate" modifies the noun "question". It typically introduces a query or issue that arises directly from the preceding context and requires prompt attention. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase often sets the stage for further discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an immediate question" is a phrase used to introduce an inquiry that requires prompt attention and is directly relevant to the current context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields like news, science, and general discourse. Alternatives such as "a pressing question" or "an urgent inquiry" may be used depending on the specific nuance needed. Remember that "immediate" refers to timing and direct relevance, not just importance. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "an immediate question" to enhance clarity and guide discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pressing question

Focuses on the urgency or importance of the question.

a prompt question

Emphasizes the need for a quick or timely response.

an urgent inquiry

Highlights the critical nature and immediacy of the question.

a direct question

Highlights the straightforwardness and relevance of the question.

a timely question

Suggests the question is well-timed and relevant to the current situation.

a relevant question

Emphasizes the question's importance and pertinence to the topic.

a crucial question

Indicates the question is vital and essential.

an important question

Highlights the significance of the question being posed.

a key question

Suggests the question is fundamental and critical to understanding.

a burning question

Highlights the intense curiosity or concern surrounding the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "an immediate question" to introduce a query that arises directly from the context and requires prompt consideration. For example, "The study raises "an immediate question" about the long-term effects of the treatment."

What are some alternatives to "an immediate question"?

Alternatives include "a pressing question", "an urgent inquiry", or "a direct question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a immediate question" instead of "an immediate question"?

No, the correct phrasing is "an immediate question". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an immediate question" and "a relevant question"?

"An immediate question" highlights the timing and direct connection to the current context. "A relevant question" emphasizes that the question is pertinent and important to the topic.