consider a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to think about a specific question or topic in a thoughtful manner. Example: "Before we proceed, let's consider a question: What are the potential impacts of climate change on our community?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

While Americans choose their next president, let us consider a question more amenable to science: Which candidate's supporters have a better sense of humor?

The New York Times - Science

Asked whether Mr. Putin intended to run for a third term, he said, "Consider a question to anyone in Washington whether Mr. Obama will run for another term".

The New York Times

On Monday night, the City Council in Danbury, Conn., will consider a question being asked in too many cities and towns: whether local police should become enforcers of federal immigration law.

The New York Times

On Friday at the New York Public Library, where prominent writers and journalists packed the front rows, the crowd seemed spellbound even while the Norwegian paused for nearly a full minute to consider a question from the novelist Jeffrey Eugenides.

The New Yorker

The jury in the trial of Nora S. Anderson, a Manhattan Surrogate's Court judge, may have to consider a question on which even election law experts disagree: Are candidates allowed to use monetary gifts or loans from friends toward their campaigns?

The New York Times

It will therefore be useful to contrast the supervenience formulation of physicalism with various reductionist proposals, and also to consider a question that has received a lot of attention in the literature, viz., whether a physicalist must be a reductionist.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

These days I wake up most mornings considering a question: Where does creativity come from?

The New York Times

Often, he looked past me, to the leaves of the plane trees outside, when considering a question.

The New Yorker

SEATED at a rickety table, saltshaker poised above a bowl of delicate chicken-and-ginseng soup, the young Taiwanese woman considered a question: why not use soy sauce?

The New York Times - Food

A stammerer in conversation might appear to be considering a question, or perhaps glancing at their watch, but this is a well-rehearsed diversionary tactic.

The Guardian - Books

Afterward, Mardini retired to a side room with a cheese sandwich, and there she considered a question about her favorite stroke.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consider a question", ensure the question is clearly defined to focus the thought process. It's helpful to frame the question in a way that encourages analytical thinking and exploration of different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid framing the question too broadly or vaguely. An ill-defined question can lead to unfocused consideration and ambiguous outcomes. Always ensure the question is specific and targeted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider a question" functions as an introductory expression to highlight the importance of thinking carefully about a particular issue. It sets the stage for deliberation or analysis, as seen in Ludwig's examples from sources like The New York Times.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consider a question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce thoughtful examination of a topic. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It is suitable for neutral contexts and aims to prompt reflection. Remember to frame the question clearly to focus the thought process. Alternatives like "ponder a query" or "reflect upon an inquiry" can add formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ponder a query

Replaces "consider" with "ponder" and "question" with "query", offering a more formal tone.

reflect upon an inquiry

Substitutes "consider" with "reflect upon" and "question" with "inquiry", emphasizing deeper thought.

contemplate a problem

Uses "contemplate" instead of "consider" and "problem" instead of "question", suggesting a more complex issue.

deliberate on an issue

Replaces "consider a question" with "deliberate on an issue", indicating a more formal and thorough discussion.

examine a matter

Substitutes the phrase with "examine a matter", implying a close and careful inspection.

address a point

Replaces "consider a question" with "address a point", suggesting a direct response or engagement.

analyze an issue

Uses "analyze" instead of "consider", implying a structured and detailed examination.

think over a matter

Replaces "consider" with "think over", offering a more casual alternative.

explore an idea

Substitutes "question" with "idea" and changes "consider" to "explore", suggesting a broader investigation.

investigate a subject

Replaces "consider" with "investigate" and "question" with "subject", indicating a more in-depth exploration.

FAQs

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

You can use "consider a question" to introduce a topic that requires thoughtful examination. For example, "Before implementing this policy, we should "consider a question": Will it truly benefit all stakeholders?"

What's a more formal way to say "consider a question"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "ponder a query" or "reflect upon an inquiry", which suggest deeper and more deliberate thought.

Is it correct to say "consider to ask a question" instead of "consider a question"?

No, "consider to ask a question" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""consider a question"", as "consider" directly takes a noun phrase as its object.

What's the difference between "consider a question" and "address a question"?

"Consider a question" implies thinking deeply about a question, while "address a question" suggests directly tackling or answering it. The former is about contemplation, and the latter is about action.