astute question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "astute question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a question that is thoughtful, penetrating, and perceptive. For example, "The reporter's astute question about the senator's policy positions helped her better understand his positions on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Very astute question.

The New York Times

Carlyn Meyer I hate to give you a short answer to such a long and astute question, but the truth is I really don't know.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

One delegate spoke for everyone: "In a difficult economic situation, parents at open days are asking more and more astute questions while applicants sit with their heads down".

The Guardian

- Compliment your committee members on their astute questions.

Science Magazine

This would allow us to start asking more astute questions about the ways in which different stakeholders conceptualize 'medical tourism' and to begin to measure variables that enable analyses that transcend disembodied claims about growth (31).

Global Health Action

Hoffman also asks himself an astute, thoughtful question: "There's a period of time in your life when I kind of look back, and I'm like, was I happy, or was I just not aware?" Even after his death, Hoffman continues to give us all something to pause and think about.

Huffington Post

The appeal of this book is rather in its portrait of a corner of 1930s and 40s life as seen through the eyes of an unusually intelligent witness: she is astute on questions of pacifism and is a passionate observer of nature.

The Guardian - Books

In The Thinking Fan's Guide to Baseball, by Leonard Koppett (Sports Illustrated/Total Sports, $17), a sportswriter answers questions astute fans might bring up, analyzing the game with a nearly scientific attention to detail.

The New York Times - Books

Her direct communication and astute listening addressed questions and inspired confidence and trust.

Huffington Post

One of our astute Railbirds asked a question about trainer Larry Jones and his penchant for exercising his own horses.

The New York Times

-- Nervous -- very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad?" -- that the astute reader begins to question his agenda from the outset.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "astute question" when you want to emphasize the intelligence and insight behind a question. It suggests the questioner is sharp and perceptive.

Common error

While "astute" adds a layer of sophistication, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider simpler alternatives like "smart" or "clever" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "astute question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "astute" modifies the noun "question". It serves to characterize the nature and quality of the question being asked. Ludwig shows examples in news media and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "astute question" is a phrase used to describe a question that is insightful, intelligent, and perceptive. While grammatically correct and understandable, it's relatively rare and more suited to formal contexts like journalism and academic discussions. Ludwig's examples confirm this, showing it appearing in news media and scientific publications. Consider alternatives like "insightful question" or "clever question" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insightful question

Emphasizes the depth of understanding the question reveals.

perceptive question

Highlights the ability to notice and understand subtle aspects.

intelligent inquiry

Uses a more formal term for question, stressing the cleverness behind it.

sharp question

Indicates a quick and clever mind behind the question.

clever question

Focuses on the ingenuity and inventiveness of the question.

thoughtful question

Highlights the consideration and depth of thinking involved.

penetrating question

Suggests the question goes deep and reveals hidden aspects.

shrewd question

Implies practical intelligence and cunning in the inquiry.

sagacious question

A more formal and less common way to describe a wise and discerning question.

well-considered question

Indicates that the question has been carefully thought out.

FAQs

What does "astute question" mean?

An "astute question" is one that shows intelligence, insight, and perceptiveness. It implies the questioner is sharp and has a good understanding of the subject.

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

You can use "astute question" to compliment someone's insightful inquiry, like, "That's an astute question; I'm glad you asked it".

What are some synonyms for "astute question"?

Alternatives to "astute question" include "insightful question", "perceptive question", or "clever question".

Is it appropriate to use "astute question" in formal writing?

Yes, "astute question" is suitable for formal writing. Its sophisticated tone adds credibility and emphasizes the thoughtfulness of the inquiry.