distinct questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to questions that are clearly different from one another and not overlapping in content or intent. Example: "In the survey, we asked distinct questions to gather a variety of opinions on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Or maybe they're both real, and distinct, questions.

The New York Times

But this big argument is a conflation of two distinct questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Members of Congress often spend their time wrestling with two distinct questions.

The New York Times

In terms of its legacy, London 2012 throws up a few distinct questions: did it bring in more money than it cost?

The Guardian - Opinion

How much Americans care about income inequality and the extent to which they want the government to address it are two distinct questions that are often conflated.

The New York Times

"Some 10,000 laboratories worldwide are pursuing distinct questions about the brain," Dr. Koch of the Allen Institute wrote in the journal Nature.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

An entirely distinct question is involved in relating chance and computers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A distinct question: Is "obtain" not simply a fancy way of saying "exists"?

SEP

In "On the Facts Underlying Geometry," Helmholtz investigates a related, but distinct question.

SEP

Moreover, this limitation has no bearing on the distinct question which moral standards should, or can properly, be legally enforced by the state's government and law (see (iii) below).

SEP

The extent of our military commitment is a separate and distinct question but it is disingenuous to appear almost baffled about why we are there at all.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting multiple inquiries, use "distinct questions" to highlight their non-overlapping nature, ensuring clarity and avoiding confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "distinct questions" when the inquiries are closely related or build upon each other. Opt for phrases like "related questions" or "sequential questions" to accurately reflect their interconnectedness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct questions" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies inquiries that are clearly differentiated from one another. Ludwig confirms this usage is standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct questions" is a versatile and commonly used expression to emphasize that multiple inquiries are separate and non-overlapping. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it frequently appears in science, news, and encyclopedia sources. When using "distinct questions", ensure that the inquiries genuinely address different aspects to maintain clarity and avoid misleading readers. Alternatives like "separate inquiries" or "independent queries" can be considered to add nuance or variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate inquiries

Focuses on the act of inquiring, emphasizing the separation of the inquiries.

different lines of inquiry

Highlights the varying paths or directions of questioning.

independent queries

Emphasizes the lack of reliance or connection between the questions.

unrelated questions

Focuses on the absence of any relationship or connection between the questions.

discrete problems

Shifts the focus from questions to problems, highlighting their separateness.

individual matters

Replaces "questions" with "matters", emphasizing their unique and separate nature.

unique inquiries

Focuses on the individuality and uniqueness of each inquiry.

isolated issues

Highlights the separation and detachment of the issues from each other.

divergent problems

Focuses on the different directions or paths that the problems take.

varied concerns

Replaces "questions" with "concerns", emphasizing their diverse and distinct nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinct questions" to emphasize that the inquiries being posed are separate and unrelated. For example: "The research addressed two "distinct questions" about the effects of climate change".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "distinct questions"?

Alternatives include "separate inquiries", "different lines of inquiry", or "independent queries", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "distinct questions" versus "related questions"?

"Distinct questions" is appropriate when the inquiries are unrelated and address different aspects. "Related questions" should be used when the inquiries are interconnected or build upon each other.

What's the difference between "distinct questions" and "different questions"?

While similar, "distinct questions" emphasizes a clearer separation and lack of overlap between the inquiries, whereas "different questions" simply highlights that they are not the same.