dropping a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropping a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are asking a question or introducing a question into a conversation or discussion. Example: "I wanted to clarify a few points, so I'm dropping a question about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Additionally, we have set the criteria for dropping a question in the second and subsequent rounds (see figure 2).

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Murray rallied to win the second set in a tiebreaker after losing the first, but he then pulled the plug on the match and dropped a question mark on the near future.

The New York Times

The BBC was accused of censorship on Thursday after its BBC3 debate show Free Speech dropped a question about being Muslim and gay at the request of the mosque where it was being filmed.

The Guardian

My plan for addressing my nagging guilt from that long-ago date in Maine was to get myself chosen by Mimi and then, once the preliminaries were out of the way, drop a question on her along the lines of, "So, do you ever watch 'Law & Order'?" Unfortunately, she chose someone else, a good-looking British fellow who seemed unlikely to have ever been near a crime scene.

The New York Times

► The U.S. Census Bureau announced this week that it won't drop a question about college majors, or several other questions, from its annual American Community Survey.

Science Magazine

A proposal to drop a question about college education from a large annual government survey would make it a lot harder for the National Science Foundation NSFF) to track trends in the U.S. scientific workforce.

Science Magazine

► Also on Thursday, Mervis reported on "[a] proposal to drop a question about college education" from the American Community Survey, which the Census Bureau uses "to collect housing and demographic information from some 3.5 million people".

Science Magazine

The Pew Research Center's excellent FactTank blog reported Tuesday that the Census Bureau is considering dropping a number of questions from its American Community Survey.

The Washington Post

Cattle class Peace dropping slow A question that can no longer be avoided ReprintsMost of the extra output in financial services has been exported.

The Economist

Cattle class Peace dropping slow A question that can no longer be avoided ReprintsSpending more to relieve crowding will appeal to cramped commuters.

The Economist

Cattle class Peace dropping slow A question that can no longer be avoided ReprintsMixed couples have long been targets for both Catholics and Protestants.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dropping a question" to informally introduce a topic or point for discussion, particularly when you want to sound less formal. For example, "I was just dropping a question to see if anyone had considered the budget implications."

Common error

Avoid using "dropping a question" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "posing a question" or "raising a question" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Introducing an informal inquiry. The phrase "dropping a question" serves to present a question in a casual manner. As Ludwig AI points out, it is usable in written English and helps to introduce a question into a conversation or discussion, especially when informality is desired.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dropping a question" is a grammatically sound and usable way to introduce an informal inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in written English. While it's more suitable for casual conversation and less formal contexts like some news articles and online discussions, remember to opt for more formal alternatives such as "posing a question" or "raising a question" in professional or academic writing. Consider the audience and setting to ensure the tone aligns with your communication goals. Common sources include "The New York Times", "The Guardian", and "TechCrunch", indicating a relatively broad, but informal, application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

posing a question

Focuses on formally presenting a question for consideration.

raising a question

Emphasizes bringing a question to someone's attention.

asking a question

A more direct and straightforward way of inquiring.

introducing a question

Highlights the act of bringing a question into a discussion.

omitting a question

Focuses on the removal of a question, contrasting with introducing it.

discarding a question

Implies rejecting a question, often in a survey or research setting.

excluding a question

Similar to omitting, but suggests a more deliberate removal.

table a question

Refers to postponing or setting aside a question for later discussion.

putting forth a question

Emphasizes formally presenting a question for debate or decision.

airing a question

Suggests openly discussing or broadcasting a question to a wider audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "dropping a question" to informally introduce a query or suggestion into a conversation or discussion. For example: "I was just "dropping a question" to see if anyone had any experience with this software."

What are some alternatives to "dropping a question"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "posing a question", "raising a question", or "asking a question" as more formal alternatives. To remove a question, use "omitting a question".

When is it appropriate to use "dropping a question"?

"Dropping a question" is appropriate in informal settings or when initiating a casual discussion. It's best suited for situations where a formal inquiry is not necessary.

Is "dropping a question" grammatically correct?

Yes, "dropping a question" is grammatically correct and understandable, although it leans towards informal usage. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.