answering question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answering question" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of providing a response to a question. Example: "She is focused on answering question during the interview." Alternative expressions include "responding to inquiry" and "addressing question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

For more than 35 minutes, Bill Clinton held court, answering question after question from patrons.

The Washington Post

She handled it with grace: answering question after question (after question) in the mixed zone and then setting her 27th world record the following week in Zurich.

The New York Times - Sports

The sexual assault had been so clear, but instead, here I was at the trial, answering question like: How old are you?

The Guardian

He doesn't have fond memories of standing on those crowded stages during the last campaign, fighting for airtime and answering question after question about Iraq.

The Washington Post

Valentine's players preferred a more contemporary view, carefully answering question about the residue from the Roger Clemens fastball that struck Mike Piazza's helmet in July.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Obama's representatives were the victorious bright-eyed stars of the day, answering question after question about what they did right.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Answering questions?

The Washington Post

She was answering questions.

The New Yorker

He left without answering questions.

The New York Times

Answering questions about ethical investing.

The New York Times

Do: Pause before answering questions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve the singular form for the idiomatic construction "answering question after question" to emphasize volume and repetition.

Common error

Avoid using the singular "answering question" when you intend to describe a general interaction with multiple inquiries. In most everyday and professional contexts, the plural "answering questions" is required to avoid sounding ungrammatical or incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answering question" functions primarily as a verb phrase fragment or a gerund phrase. It is typically used as a subject or an object to describe an ongoing activity. According to Ludwig, it frequently appears as a descriptor for the behavior of interviewees or research participants.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "answering question" is a highly functional phrase with distinct applications in professional writing. Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct expression, though its singular form is most effective when used idiomatically (e.g., "answering question after question") or technically (e.g., "answering question 3"). While it appears frequently in News & Media and Science, writers should be careful not to omit the plural 's' in general contexts where multiple questions are implied. Overall, it serves as a precise way to document the process of inquiry and response in structured environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

responding to questions

Uses a different verb that implies a reaction or feedback loop.

answering the question

Adds a definite article to refer to a specific, single inquiry.

fielding inquiries

More professional and suggests managing a volume of incoming questions.

addressing queries

More formal and systematic, often used in business or technical support.

providing answers

Shifts focus from the process of answering to the result (the answers).

handling questions

Implies managing or dealing with questions that might be difficult.

replying to questions

A direct synonym that is slightly more formal than "answering".

tackling questions

Suggests a proactive or energetic approach to solving complex issues.

clarifying points

Focuses on making things clearer rather than just providing a direct answer.

explaining answers

Describes the elaboration of a response rather than the act of answering itself.

FAQs

Is "answering question" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is correct in specific contexts such as referring to a numbered list or in the idiom "answering question after question". In most other cases, you should use "answering questions" or "answering the question".

What is another way to say "answering question"?

Depending on the context, you can use "responding to questions", "fielding queries", or "addressing inquiries".

When should I use "answering question" instead of the plural form?

Use the singular form when you are identifying a specific item, such as "the student had trouble answering question 10". It is also correct in the phrase "answering question after question" to describe a long and repetitive process.

What is the difference between "answering question" and "responding to question"?

While similar, "answering" is more direct and result-oriented, whereas "responding to question" can sometimes imply a broader reaction that may not resolve the inquiry fully.