appropriate question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appropriate question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is suitable or relevant in a given context. Example: "During the meeting, she asked an appropriate question about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's not an appropriate question," Joanna said.

The New Yorker

And is that even an appropriate question?

The New York Times

How was she? never quite seemed an appropriate question.

The Guardian

"I don't feel that's an appropriate question," he said.

The New York Times

"I still think it was an appropriate question to ask," Mr. Morrison insisted last week.

The New York Times

"It's an appropriate question to ask whether the world now admits of that.

The New York Times

The appropriate question is not who is evil, but who is less or more evil.

The New Yorker

Where's the fish is a more appropriate question for Long Islanders than where's the beef.

The New York Times

The more appropriate question is, does the industry really deserve one?

The New York Times - Sports

A publicist tried to stop them from speaking, saying it was "not an appropriate question".

The New York Times - Arts

It's an appropriate question to ask on Valentine's Day, the feast day of chocolate.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “appropriate question” to introduce a line of questioning, signaling that the topic is important and requires careful examination. This can help guide a discussion or investigation.

Common error

Avoid generically labeling any question as an "appropriate question" without clarifying why it holds relevance. Always contextualize the question's significance to prevent it from sounding perfunctory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appropriate question" functions as a noun phrase, where 'appropriate' modifies 'question'. It's used to characterize a question as being suitable, relevant, or fitting for a particular context. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appropriate question" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that describes a query deemed suitable for a specific situation. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and can be found across varied contexts, ranging from news and media to science and academia. Its primary function is to characterize a question as relevant and fitting, with alternatives such as "relevant question" and "pertinent inquiry" offering similar meanings. The phrase is most effectively used when the context clearly supports the appropriateness of the question, thereby avoiding generic applications. With a high source quality score and expert rating, "appropriate question" remains a reliable and effective choice for expressing relevant inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevant question

Emphasizes the direct connection to the matter at hand.

pertinent inquiry

A more formal way to describe a question that is directly related to the topic.

suitable question

Focuses on the fitness or adequacy of the question for the situation.

fitting question

Highlights how well the question aligns with the context.

proper question

Suggests the question adheres to established norms or expectations.

germane question

A formal alternative emphasizing the question's relevance.

applicable question

Focuses on the question's direct applicability to the situation.

right question

Suggests the question is not only relevant but also strategically sound.

on-topic question

Highlights that the question remains focused on the subject being discussed.

well-timed question

Indicates the question is suitable not only in content but also in timing.

FAQs

How can I use "appropriate question" in a sentence?

You can use "appropriate question" to describe a query that is relevant and fitting for a specific context. For instance, "Asking about the budget is an appropriate question during a project planning meeting."

What can I say instead of "appropriate question"?

You can use alternatives like "relevant question", "pertinent inquiry", or "suitable question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "appropriate question" or "inappropriate question"?

"Appropriate question" is used to describe a question that is suitable or fitting for the context, while "inappropriate question" describes a question that is unsuitable or out of place. The correct choice depends entirely on the situation.

When is it best to use the phrase "appropriate question"?

It's best to use "appropriate question" when you want to emphasize that a particular question is not only relevant but also necessary or fitting given the circumstances. This can be useful in debates, interviews, or any situation where the relevance of a question might be in doubt.