Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
closed question
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"closed question" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "What time is it? is a closed question."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(19)
leading question
closed spoke
blocked passage
closed discussion
what are your thoughts
loaded question
leading discussion
overriding question
primary question
tentative question
preliminary question
obstructed access
impeded progress
prevented entry
prevented access
obstructed path
halted movement
barricaded route
closed off
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
55 human-written examples
An open question is one that is not closed, and a closed question is one the asking of which betrays a lack of understanding of the concepts involved.
Science
A closed question period follows.
Academia
During a closed question session after Mr. Obama's speech Wednesday, Kenneth I. Chenault, chief executive of American Express, emphasized that entitlement overhaul was necessary to address long-term deficits, along with tax increases and other spending cuts, according to a chief executive in the room.
News & Media
In The Case of Galileo: A Closed Question?
Academia
Look, that's a closed question – you're going to get a short answer and no juicy details!
News & Media
Moore's view is that if this definition were correct, it would be a closed question whether something that causes pleasure is good.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
5 human-written examples
If a guy is shy and you ask a closed question a question with a yes or no answer you're going to get a one-word answer almost every time.
Wiki
The authors designed a predominantly closed-question survey (see online supplementary file 1) to evaluate clinical practice regarding follow-up and rehabilitation services for survivors of critical illness posthospital discharge.
Science
Each faces the open/closed question, and here is how to answer it.
News & Media
This traditional focus group approach is extended by a quantitative survey design where participants had to fill out several closed-question questionnaires before and during the discussion rounds.
Data was collected through quantitative measures such as closed-question surveys and numeric rubrics related to PD assignments followed by an interview with open-ended questions.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When designing questionnaires or interviews, use "closed questions" to gather specific, quantifiable data efficiently. This is especially useful when you need straightforward answers for statistical analysis.
Common error
Avoid using exclusively "closed questions" in exploratory research. While they provide structured data, they can limit the depth of understanding and miss valuable insights that open-ended questions might reveal.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "closed question" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a type of inquiry. It often appears in contexts related to research methodology, surveys, and data collection, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig. It indicates a question format with predetermined answer choices.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
15%
Academia
10%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
2%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "closed question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, particularly in academic, scientific, and research contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application. The phrase denotes a type of question that elicits limited and structured responses, making it valuable for quantifiable data collection. While effective for specific data, it's essential to balance its use with open-ended questions to avoid limiting the depth of understanding in exploratory research. Common alternatives include "structured question" and "limited response question". When employing "closed question", ensure it aligns with the research goals and target audience for optimal results.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
yes-no question
Specifies the binary nature of the expected response.
forced choice question
Stresses the lack of open-ended response.
dichotomous question
Highlights the two-option nature of the question.
limited response question
Highlights the constraint on the possible answers.
fixed answer question
Indicates pre-determined answer choices.
restrictive inquiry
Emphasizes the limiting nature of the question.
structured question
Highlights the pre-defined format and limited scope.
leading question
Focuses on the suggestive nature of the question.
convergent question
Emphasizes the goal of eliciting a specific, focused response.
multiple choice question
Points to a specific type of question with limited options.
FAQs
How do I use "closed question" in a research context?
In research, a "closed question" is used to gather specific data that can be easily quantified. For example, instead of asking "How do you feel about the product?", you might ask "On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with the product?"
What are some alternatives to "closed question"?
Alternatives to "closed question" include "structured question", "limited response question", or "fixed answer question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use a "closed question" versus an open question?
Use a "closed question" when you need specific, quantifiable data or when you have a clear set of predefined answers. Use an open question when you want to explore a topic in more depth and allow respondents to provide more detailed, nuanced answers.
What are the benefits of using a "closed question" in surveys?
The benefits of using "closed question" in surveys include ease of analysis, quick response times, and the ability to gather data from a large number of respondents efficiently. However, they may not capture the full complexity of the respondents' views.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested