concrete questions

USAGE SUMMARY

"concrete questions" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to specific, detailed questions, rather than more general ones. For example, "I asked her for concrete questions related to the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

With Romney, there are more concrete questions.

The New Yorker

This article offers a tested approach that poses concrete questions.

Harvard Business Review

"They were asking concrete questions about mechanics and structure," he continued.

The New York Times

(His enthusiasm was soon dampened, though never quite extinguished, when he was confronted with concrete questions based on irrefutable documents).

The New Yorker

There will be a difference, but very quickly Obama will be faced with concrete questions, like Afghanistan".

The New York Times

In both cases, the politicians mostly failed to ask short, sharp, concrete questions of a kind that demand a clear, illuminating or uncomfortable answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

That, in my opinion, is a concrete question.

Yale University

2. The definition of the problem is a concrete question, which we want based on the facts and not on the comments.

L'Encéphale

When Heathcliff tells Nelly about digging up Catherine's grave, she asks him a disturbingly concrete question: What would he have done if, upon prying open the lid, he'd found her "dissolved into earth, or worse"?

The New Yorker

But if they are asked the more limited and concrete question of whether such symbols should be borne by people who work with the general public, the number wanting them banned drops to 30%.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a campaign focused on the lofty abstractions of class, race and social inequality, the final encounter between the candidates — six days before Election Day — was dominated by the grittier and more concrete question of how each man would run New York's vast city government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "concrete questions" to guide research and investigations, ensuring that the inquiry remains practical and grounded.

Common error

Ensure your questions are "concrete" by avoiding overly broad or abstract inquiries. Vague questions often lead to unfocused answers and do not effectively address specific concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "concrete questions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "concrete" modifies the noun "questions". It specifies the type of questions being asked, emphasizing their specific and detailed nature. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

26%

News & Media

26%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "concrete questions" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that emphasizes the specific and detailed nature of inquiries. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across various contexts, including science, news, academia, and business. When crafting your communication, using "concrete questions" can ensure clarity and focus, leading to more effective and relevant responses. Remember to avoid broad, abstract inquiries and instead aim for specific and tangible aspects in your questioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specific inquiries

Focuses on the detailed and particular nature of the questions.

Detailed questions

Emphasizes the level of detail and thoroughness in the questions.

Precise questions

Highlights the exactness and accuracy sought in the questions.

Tangible questions

Shifts the focus to questions dealing with material or real aspects.

Practical questions

Suggests questions that are concerned with real-world applications and solutions.

Factual questions

Highlights that the questions are based on facts and evidence.

Definitive questions

Emphasizes the clarity and conclusiveness the questions aim to achieve.

Clear questions

Highlights the ease of understanding and lack of ambiguity in the questions.

Targeted questions

Emphasizes that the questions are aimed at a specific issue or goal.

Well-defined questions

Highlights that the questions are formulated in a clear and precise manner.

FAQs

How can I use "concrete questions" in a sentence?

You can use "concrete questions" to refer to questions that are specific and detailed, such as, "The lawyer asked a series of "concrete questions" to clarify the witness's testimony".

What are some alternatives to "concrete questions"?

Alternatives to "concrete questions" include "specific inquiries", "detailed questions", or "precise questions", which all emphasize the detailed and focused nature of the questions.

What makes a question "concrete"?

A "concrete" question is one that is focused on specific details and tangible aspects, rather than abstract or general concepts. It seeks clear, factual information.

When is it best to use "concrete questions" rather than general ones?

Use "concrete questions" when you need specific information or when you want to avoid ambiguity. General questions can be useful for exploratory discussions, but "concrete questions" are more effective for getting precise answers.