bring up a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring up a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a topic of conversation or to show that you are about to ask a question. For example: "I'd like to bring up a question about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I don't recollect what actually compelled me to (gulp) ask that question, but what I do recall was being very embarrassed to even bring up a question of that nature.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I would say this brings up a question," he said.

The New York Times

More than anything, it's not a pain that brings up a question mark.

The New York Times - Sports

This brings up a question: are sign-language interpreters going rogue?

The New Yorker

Opponents also brought up a question about the rule raised by clerical error in a 1990 update of the Clean Air Act.

The New York Times

The women I interviewed often brought up a question: Why didn't things change when women began helping to run studios?

The New York Times - Magazine

This brings up a question: are sign-language interpreters going rogue? "People should not be entering the field of interpreting to be seen," an interpreter named Lynnette Taylor said the other day.

The New Yorker

Akhil and I managed to squeeze in most of our arguments, but right at the end Chris brought up a question we didn't have time to fully answer: What about recounts?

The New Yorker

The whole episode brings up a question: What does it mean to be American?

Huffington Post

That brings up a question that nagged me while I was watching the Oscars: Where did all those people get all those ribbons?

Los Angeles Times

This success brought up a question: How have personal fundraisers contributed to this being the largest relief effort on the platform to date?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bring up a question", ensure the context makes it clear that you are about to introduce a specific query or topic for discussion. It's useful for signaling a shift in conversation or introducing a new line of inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "bring up a question" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise verbs like 'pose', 'raise', or 'present' might be more appropriate. Overusing "bring up" can make your writing sound less sophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring up a question" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce a topic for discussion or to formally present an inquiry. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is usable in written English to signal that a question is about to be posed. The examples show its integration into various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring up a question" is a versatile phrase used to introduce inquiries or topics for discussion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While very common across various contexts like news, science, and academia, it may be advisable to consider more formal alternatives such as "raise a question" or "pose a question" in certain settings. The frequency analysis indicates widespread usage, while the writing guidance cautions against overuse in highly formal contexts. The phrase serves the purpose of initiating discussion and seeking clarification in a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Raise a question

Uses "raise" instead of "bring up", maintaining the core meaning of introducing a question.

Pose a question

Employs "pose" as a substitute for "bring up", focusing on the act of presenting a question.

Ask a question

A more direct and simple way to express the act of questioning.

Broach a question

Replaces "bring up" with "broach", suggesting a more delicate or sensitive introduction of the question.

Introduce a question

Focuses on the act of presenting or making a question known.

Table a question

Offers a way to put the question on the table.

Present a question

Highlights the act of formally offering a question for consideration.

Query about

Changes the structure to a verb-preposition combination, focusing on the act of inquiring.

Enquire about

Similar to 'query about', but with a slightly more formal tone.

Address a question

Shifts the focus to dealing with or responding to a question.

FAQs

How to use "bring up a question" in a sentence?

You can use "bring up a question" to introduce a new topic or inquiry, for example: "I'd like to "bring up a question" regarding the budget for the next quarter." Alternatively, you could "raise a question".

What can I say instead of "bring up a question"?

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

Which is correct, "bring up a question" or "raise a question"?

Both "bring up a question" and "raise a question" are correct and commonly used. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you wish to convey.

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

"Bring up a question" is often used to introduce a topic or shift the conversation to a specific inquiry. "Ask a question" is a more direct and general way to express the act of seeking information or clarification.