deferential question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deferential question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking a question in a respectful or polite manner, often to show respect for the person being asked. Example: "In a meeting, I posed a deferential question to my supervisor about the project's direction, hoping to gain insight without overstepping my bounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The radio reporter was trying to pose a deferential question to Tampa Bay kicker Martin Gramatica in the interview room Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Switch to more deferential questions such as "help me understand…" and "how should I be thinking about this?" Mostly, be prepared to get barked at periodically and remember that it's not about you.

Harvard Business Review

He pushed his fedora up on his head a bit, sat down at the piano, and fingered out a sharp, attention-getting "Shave and a haircut, two bits!" Eastwood laughed along with him and then began to ask deferential questions about the origin of the piano blues.

The New Yorker

"There is something amiss at FHFA and this committee has to get to the bottom of it". Grimes faced mostly polite, deferential questions from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, including several who said they served with Watt during his 21 years in Congress and considered him a friend.

The Washington Post

The police arrived at young Elliot's door, asked a few polite and deferential questions, and closed the investigation.

Huffington Post

The dominant/submissive pairs achieved their superior success thanks to their complementary communication style, in which the dominant negotiators stated their preferences directly and the deferential ones asked questions.

Harvard University

Japan's seventeen year stagnation is forcing change in its economic model and society; at the same time it is readier to question, less deferential and more willing to use the courts than in van Wolferen's time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Mr. Donaton's questions were deferential, Ms. Jenner several times offered a defense of the Kardashians against what she called "haters".

The New York Times

Although unsurprisingly deferential in tone, the questions nonetheless provide the clearest insight yet into Cook's thinking about the election of Trump, who openly and repeatedly railed against Apple in his campaign for the company's lack of US manufacturing jobs, offshoring of capital, and refusal to aid the FBI in hacking into an iPhone once used by a dead terrorist.

The Guardian - Tech

Stewart is deferential to Bahari, dismissing questions about the career risk he took in directing by comparing it to the risk Bahari took as a journalist.

Los Angeles Times

A mostly deferential press rarely asks tricky questions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deferential question" when you want to emphasize that the question is being asked with respect, politeness, and a degree of submissiveness towards the person being addressed. This is particularly useful when interviewing authority figures or those in positions of power.

Common error

Avoid using "deferential question" in situations where a direct or critical inquiry is necessary. Overusing it can come across as insincere or excessively subservient, undermining the purpose of the question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deferential question" functions as a noun phrase where "deferential" modifies the noun "question". It describes a specific type of question characterized by politeness and respect. Ludwig examples show its use in describing interactions with authority figures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deferential question" is a phrase used to describe a question asked with respect and politeness, often directed towards authority figures. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news and academic contexts. When considering alternatives, "respectful inquiry" or "polite question" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Using "deferential question" effectively requires considering the context and ensuring it aligns with the desired tone of respect and submissiveness without appearing insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectful inquiry

Focuses on the respect conveyed by the question, rather than the deference.

respectfully posed question

Emphasizes the act of posing the question in a respectful manner.

polite question

Emphasizes the politeness of the question, a more general term.

courteous question

Highlights the courteous nature of the question, implying good manners.

considerate question

Indicates that the question is asked with consideration for the feelings or situation of the person being questioned.

humble inquiry

Suggests the question is asked from a position of humility.

obsequious question

Implies excessive flattery and submissiveness in the questioning, carrying a potentially negative connotation.

submissive question

Directly conveys a yielding or compliant tone in the question.

ingratiating question

Suggests the question is asked to gain favor.

reverential query

Conveys deep respect or admiration in the questioning.

FAQs

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

You can use "deferential question" to describe a question asked with respect and politeness, for example, "The reporter asked a "deferential question" to the CEO, hoping to understand the company's strategy".

What's a good alternative to "deferential question"?

Alternatives include "respectful inquiry", "polite question", or "courteous question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to ask a "deferential question"?

It's appropriate to ask a "deferential question" when addressing someone in a position of authority, or when you want to show respect for their expertise or status. For example, in a formal interview or a meeting with a senior colleague.

Is "deferential question" formal or informal?

"Deferential question" is generally considered to be a more formal term. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "polite question" might be more appropriate.