broached a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broached a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when introducing or bringing up a topic for discussion, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "During the meeting, she broached a question about the project's timeline that had been on everyone's mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These problems broach a question of principle: the phylogeny based on sequence alignment needs an independent verification in order to put the fungal TOL on a more secure footing.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We broached a touchy question — executive changes.

Forbes

Then yesterday, the Government broached a compromise of sorts.

Independent

But at least politicians and pundits broached a serious subject.

The Economist

A few recent studies have broached the question of what was helping the zone's students raise attendance and test scores: the interlocking social services, or what was going on in the classroom?

The New York Times

But when she broached the question, he said no, upsetting her hugely.

The Guardian

In the first presidential debate, on Monday, Trump broached the question of his tax returns.

The Guardian

I broached the question later that night at his small off-campus apartment, where we sat in his barren kitchen eating Oreo cookies.

The New York Times - Magazine

A late second-century or early third-century work by Liu Shao, the Renwu zhi (translated into English as The Study of Human Abilities) has already broached the question and attempted to map out the various types of talent and the signs by which they might be identified.

SEP

It was around 10 30 last night -- just half an hour after the polls closed -- that Canadian TV anchor Lloyd Robertson first broached the question of who would be replacing Liberal leader Stéphane Dion.

Huffington Post

Follow Paul on Toitter.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broached a question" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating a potentially sensitive or complex discussion. It suggests a thoughtful and deliberate approach.

Common error

Avoid using "broached a question" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "raised a question" or "brought up a question" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broached a question" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of a discussion or inquiry. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in written English, typically when introducing a topic for discussion, often in a formal or serious context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broached a question" is a versatile and common expression used to describe the act of introducing a topic for discussion, particularly one that may be sensitive or complex. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal and serious contexts. While alternatives like "raised a question" or "brought up a question" exist, "broached a question" carries a nuance of thoughtfulness and deliberation. Its prevalence in news media, scientific articles, and academic papers suggests a preference for neutral to formal registers. To effectively use it, consider the context and avoid overuse in casual settings. The phrase is a valuable tool for writers aiming to introduce complex or delicate topics with care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raised a question

A more direct and common alternative, suitable for most contexts. The semantic similarity is high.

brought up a question

Similar to "raised a question", but slightly more informal. It implies introducing a topic into the conversation.

introduced a question

Focuses on the act of presenting a question for consideration.

posed a question

More formal, suggesting a carefully formulated question.

tabled a question

Implies formally submitting a question for discussion, often in a meeting setting.

addressed a question

Suggests tackling or dealing with a specific question.

opened up a question

Highlights the act of starting a discussion about a question.

ventured a question

Indicates a hesitant or cautious approach to asking a question, perhaps due to sensitivity.

inquired about a matter

More formal and indirect, referring to a broader subject of inquiry.

touched on a question

Implies briefly mentioning or alluding to a question without fully exploring it.

FAQs

What does "broached a question" mean?

To "broach a question" means to introduce or bring up a topic for discussion, often one that is sensitive or complex.

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

You can use alternatives like "raised a question", "brought up a question", or "posed a question" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "broached with a question"?

No, the correct usage is "broached a question". The preposition "with" is not used in this context. As Ludwig AI confirms: You broach a subject, but do not broach "with" something.

When is it appropriate to use "broached a question" instead of "asked a question"?

"Broached a question" is suitable when the question is delicate, complex, or has been avoided. "Asked a question" is a more neutral and general term.