an interesting question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an interesting question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to acknowledge that a question posed is thought-provoking or engaging. Example: "That is an interesting question, and it deserves a deeper exploration of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What an interesting question.

The New York Times

It's an interesting question.

Forbes

"That's an interesting question.

The New York Times

But it's an interesting question.

The New York Times - Arts

Which raises an interesting question.

The New York Times

It is an interesting question.

The Economist

This raises an interesting question for journalists.

Independent

That, I think, is an interesting question.

The Economist

ELIZABETH KOLBERT: That's an interesting question.

The New Yorker

ME: Now, that's an interesting question.

The New Yorker

"What an interesting question!" Sotomayor said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an interesting question" to transition into a more detailed discussion or analysis of the topic at hand. It serves as a polite and engaging way to acknowledge the question's value before providing an answer or further exploration.

Common error

While "an interesting question" is useful, avoid using it repetitively. Overuse can make your writing sound formulaic and less sincere. Vary your responses by using more specific adjectives that reflect the particular quality of the question, such as "a complex question" or "a timely question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an interesting question" functions as an acknowledgment and transition. It prefaces a response, indicating that the speaker or writer recognizes the value or thoughtfulness of the query. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an interesting question" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge and appreciate a query. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. The analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. While effective, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive. Alternatives like "a compelling question" or "a thought-provoking question" can provide variety while maintaining a similar level of engagement. Remember to follow up your acknowledgment with a thoughtful and detailed response to truly address the question's merit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intriguing question

Uses 'intriguing' instead of 'interesting', suggesting the question is mysterious and fascinating.

a thought-provoking question

Substitutes 'interesting' with 'thought-provoking', highlighting the question's ability to stimulate thinking.

a fascinating question

Uses 'fascinating' instead of 'interesting', indicating the question is extremely captivating.

a compelling question

Replaces 'interesting' with 'compelling', emphasizing the question's demanding attention.

a relevant question

Replaces 'interesting' with 'relevant', highlighting the question's connection and importance to the topic.

a stimulating question

Replaces 'interesting' with 'stimulating', emphasizing the question's ability to encourage activity or new ideas.

a significant question

Replaces 'interesting' with 'significant', highlighting the question's importance and impact.

a pertinent question

Substitutes 'interesting' with 'pertinent', suggesting the question is relevant to the matter at hand.

a provocative question

Uses 'provocative' instead of 'interesting', indicating the question is likely to generate strong reactions.

a noteworthy question

Replaces 'interesting' with 'noteworthy', emphasizing the question's importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "an interesting question" to acknowledge a thoughtful query before answering it. For example, "That's "an interesting question". Let's delve into the details."

What are some alternatives to saying "an interesting question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a compelling question", "a thought-provoking question", or "an intriguing question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "an interesting question" is generally appropriate in formal writing as a polite way to acknowledge a query. However, consider using more specific adjectives if possible to enhance precision and impact.

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

"An interesting question" generally acknowledges that the question is engaging or thought-provoking. "A relevant question" indicates that the question is directly related and important to the topic at hand.