disingenuous question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disingenuous question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is not sincere or is intended to deceive or mislead. Example: "When he asked if I was really happy with my job, I could tell it was a disingenuous question meant to provoke a reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"People ask why a course like this is necessary, and I think it's a disingenuous question," she says.

Independent

This probably qualifies as a disingenuous question, since politicians preparing to sell themselves to the public rarely think it's a good idea to admit that they once didn't know something that most people consider true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Once best known as Johnny Carson's permanent guest host (until he cut her dead) and for her disingenuous question "Can we talk?" (not you, silly), Ms. Rivers, now 77, began slipping down the pop-culture food chain in the 1980s after a series of calamities, including the 1987 suicide of her husband, Edgar Rosenberg.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the spot's disingenuous questions were plainly intended to deceive the unwary into assuming that Wall Street tax breaks and the like are the very ideas Obama has been advocating.

The New Yorker

It's a little disingenuous – the one question asked is: "Do you want your road and property to remain gasfield free?" Few people would say no to that – 95% of communities in the area have agreed – but it has proved a potent tactic.

The Guardian

The evasive, disingenuous responses to questions given by several shifty-eyed interviewees make you shudder.

The New York Times

The question is disingenuous.

The New Yorker

(It's actually a decent question, as disingenuous as Trump was to pose it).

The New Yorker

Qualcomm's disingenuous process defers the question of price, even after Qualcomm's Presiding Director Tom Horton last week publicly stated that the Qualcomm board views Broadcom's proposed price as "not even close".

TechCrunch

From his comically dark-dyed hair to his disingenuous answers to every question.

Huffington Post

Martenson contends that Yellen's advocacy of questions appears "disingenuous and disturbing" in the absence of policy moves consistent with the questions.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "disingenuous question", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the speaker's awareness of the question's insincerity or deceptive nature. Provide enough information for the audience to understand why the question is not genuine.

Common error

Avoid labeling a question as "disingenuous" simply because it seems naive or uninformed. A question should only be termed "disingenuous" if there is evidence of deliberate deception or a hidden agenda behind it. Otherwise, it may just be a misguided or ill-informed question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disingenuous question" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "disingenuous" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe a question that isn't sincere or honest.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disingenuous question" is a valid and grammatically correct English expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig confirms that it is primarily used within the context of News & Media. The phrase serves to describe a question that is not sincere or honest, often implying a manipulative or deceptive intent behind the inquiry. Related phrases include "insincere inquiry" and "deceptive question". When using the phrase, consider the context carefully to ensure accurate portrayal of the question's intent, avoiding misinterpretations of naivete as disingenuousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insincere question

Focuses directly on the lack of sincerity behind the inquiry.

insincere inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal synonym, "inquiry", and "disingenuous" with "insincere", focusing on the lack of genuine intent.

deceptive question

Substitutes "disingenuous" with "deceptive", highlighting the intent to mislead or create a false impression.

dishonest inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" to highlight that a question isn't posed in good faith.

misleading question

Emphasizes that the question is likely to cause someone to believe something that is not true.

underhanded question

Suggests that the question is being asked in a sneaky or dishonest way to gain an advantage.

duplicitous question

Emphasizes the deceitful or hypocritical nature of the question.

two-faced question

Implies hypocrisy or a double standard in the posing of the question.

loaded question

Highlights that the question contains an assumption or implication designed to trap the respondent.

artful inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" to suggest that a question is cleverly designed, and perhaps manipulative.

FAQs

How can I identify a "disingenuous question"?

A "disingenuous question" is often characterized by a hidden agenda, insincerity, or an attempt to manipulate the response. Look for inconsistencies between the question and the questioner's actions or beliefs. If the person posing the question seems to already know the answer or has a clear motive to elicit a specific response, it may be a "disingenuous question".

What's the difference between a "disingenuous question" and a "naive question"?

A "naive question" stems from a lack of knowledge or understanding, while a "disingenuous question" is posed with the intent to deceive or mislead. The former is innocent, the latter is manipulative. Consider using "insincere inquiry" to replace disingenuous question.

When is it appropriate to call a question "disingenuous"?

It's appropriate to describe a question as "disingenuous" when you have a reasonable basis to believe that the questioner is not sincere and is trying to manipulate or deceive the person being questioned. Use other terms like "misleading question" when appropriate.

What are some alternative ways to describe a question that seems "disingenuous"?

Depending on the specific context, you could describe the question as "insincere", "deceptive", "misleading", "underhanded", or even "loaded". Consider using phrases like "deceptive question" to add variety to your vocabulary.