an initial question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an initial question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a question that serves as a starting point for discussion or inquiry. Example: "To begin our discussion, I would like to pose an initial question: What are your thoughts on the current state of the economy?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Of the 10, whoever gives the fastest correct answer to an initial question will climb into the tall chair across from the host, REGIS PHILBIN.

The New York Times

After an initial question from an audience member — the debate had been billed as a town hall — CNN's Anderson Cooper, one of the two moderators, got right to the point, saying, "Mr. Trump, about the tape that was released on Friday... you called what you said locker-room banter.

The New Yorker

When Wal-Mart launched its "Green Room" blog earlier this month, I posed an initial question via Twitter:   The move by the world's largest retailer toward cutting waste and energy use and otherwise downsizing its environmental impacts is explored in detail in Edward Humes's book "Force of Nature" (Times review).

The New York Times

(1)–(3) forces an initial question: if there are a posteriori necessities, how can one have a priori knowledge of modality?

SEP

As a result, one can think of menu localization as an initial question of what perceptual organization (alignment, similarity, and/or containment) one can perceive at a glance at a web page.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

These had an initial question asking about the presence of the symptom.

BMC Gastroenterology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Investigators also raised questions about an initial inquiry that was conducted by the Fiesta Bowl in December 2009, which concluded there was no credible evidence of campaign reimbursements.

The New York Times - Sports

A reasonable initial question might be to see whether the graded version of the Kirchberg Phillips Theorem holds.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

"How much cash should we plow into TV?" is no longer a meaningful initial question.

Huffington Post

This is a good initial question to test whether students have taken the right strategic decision when solving the crossing task on paper.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

In any other state, Rogers and her colleagues would have struggled to find an answer to her initial question about the prevalence of brain bleeds.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the initial question is broad enough to allow for diverse answers, while still being specific enough to guide the discussion effectively.

Common error

Avoid making your "initial question" too complex or jargon-heavy. It should be easily understood by your target audience to ensure engagement from the outset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig indicates, it introduces a question that begins an inquiry, conversation, or investigation. It's commonly used to set the stage for further discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that serves to introduce a starting point for discussion or inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts. Its frequency is classified as “common”, primarily appearing in scientific and news media domains. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and ensure the question is accessible to your audience. Alternatives such as "a starting question" or "a preliminary question" can be used to add variety. This phrase can be seen as a preliminary to different steps, from open discussions to complex scientific analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a starting question

This alternative emphasizes the role of the question as a beginning point.

a preliminary question

This alternative suggests the question is posed before deeper investigation.

a first question

This alternative is a straightforward substitution focusing on sequence.

the opening question

This alternative implies the question is used to open a discussion or inquiry.

the introductory question

This alternative suggests the question serves to introduce a topic.

a basic question

This suggests the question is fundamental and foundational.

an exploratory question

This emphasizes the question's role in exploring a new topic or area.

a lead question

This suggests the question is intended to guide the discussion in a particular direction.

a probing question

This suggests the question is designed to elicit deeper or more revealing answers.

a foundational query

This implies the question establishes a base for further inquiry or understanding.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an initial question" in a presentation?

Begin your presentation with "an initial question" that is both engaging and relevant to your topic. This helps capture the audience's attention and provides a clear direction for your discussion. For instance, instead of stating a fact, ask something like, "What if we could...?". Consider starting with "a probing question".

What's a good strategy for formulating "an initial question" in research?

When formulating "an initial question" for research, make sure it's open-ended and addresses a gap in current knowledge. Use it as a foundation to guide your inquiry and develop further, more specific questions. Ensure the research question doesn't have an obvious answer. You might start with "an exploratory question".

What can I say instead of "an initial question" to start a discussion?

Alternatives for "an initial question" include phrases like "a starting question", "a preliminary question", or "the opening question". Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your discussion.

How does "an initial question" differ from a thesis statement?

"An initial question" is used to prompt exploration or discussion, while a thesis statement is a declarative sentence that presents the main argument of a piece of writing. The former invites inquiry; the latter asserts a position. You can start with "an initial question" and conclude by answering it through a thesis.