ask a question

USAGE SUMMARY

"ask a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to ask a question or when you are introducing someone who will ask a question. For example, "Please ask a question if you have any clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Can I ask a question?

The New York Times - Magazine

Ask a question about it.

The New York Times

Just ask a question.

The Washington Post

You ask a question.

The Guardian - Books

Say your name, ask a question".

The New Yorker

Ask a question, get a great answer.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He asked a question.

The New Yorker

Selim asked a question.

The New Yorker

She asks a question.

The New York Times

One asks a question.

The Guardian

Finally, someone else asked a question.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you need to encourage audience participation in a meeting or presentation, use the phrase "ask a question" to invite inquiries. For example, "Now is the perfect time to ask a question about our new strategy."

Common error

While "ask a question" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "pose a question" or "raise a question" to vary your language and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask a question" functions as a verb phrase where 'ask' is the verb and 'a question' is the object. Ludwig AI confirms this structure with numerous examples demonstrating its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask a question" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to solicit information across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. While it is generally neutral in register, it is important to consider alternative phrases like "pose a question" or "raise a question" in more formal settings to avoid repetition. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a question

Uses "pose" instead of "ask", implying a more formal or deliberate inquiry.

raise a question

Suggests bringing up a question for discussion or consideration.

inquire

A more formal and direct way of saying "ask a question".

query

Implies a formal or official request for information.

put forth a question

Similar to "pose a question" but can suggest a more thoughtful presentation of the question.

submit a question

Suggests a formal submission of a question, often in writing.

seek clarification

Focuses on asking a question for the purpose of understanding something better.

request information

Highlights the intention of getting information through questioning.

voice an inquiry

Expresses the act of verbally asking a question.

make an inquiry

Similar to "inquire" but emphasizes the act of making a formal request.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "ask a question"?

You can use alternatives like "pose a question", "raise a question", or simply "inquire" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "ask a question"?

Yes, "ask a question" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

How to use "ask a question" in a sentence?

You can use "ask a question" to invite someone to make an inquiry. For example, "Feel free to ask a question at any time during the presentation."

What's the difference between "ask a question" and "raise a question"?

"Ask a question" is a general phrase for making an inquiry. "Raise a question" often implies bringing up a topic for discussion or debate, suggesting a more formal or significant inquiry.