elementary question

USAGE SUMMARY

'elementary question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking a question that is quite basic or easy to answer. For example: "What is the capital of France? That's an elementary question."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This should be an elementary question for you.

Yale University

One might think this a fairly elementary question, yet it is one that has divided Attorneys General from the beginning of the Republic and that divides scholars still.

Columbia University

"The elementary question of the ceasefire is not yet cleared up, still less the future status and cooperation between the Luhansk and Donetsk regions and the Ukrainian central government," Merkel said.

The Guardian

"Part of its appeal is that it's an elementary question".

Science Magazine

Now, you'd think this elementary question would be uppermost in any tax scheme.

Forbes

So Jeanie Buss posed an elementary question to her siblings: What was going on with the Lakers?

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Yet elementary questions about what happened at the school remain unanswered.

The Economist

Bush quickly found that he was comfortable asking her the most elementary questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Posing these three elementary questions, of course, oversimplifies a field that is fraught with tensions and trade offs.

Stanford University

We show that in the general case, very elementary questions about properties of the OLS-set are computationally intractable (assuming P ≠ NP).

Information Sciences

The surveyors began, he said, by asking elementary questions; eleven years after the attacks, they did not even know which villages had been attacked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the audience understands that the question is intentionally simple, especially to avoid condescension. Context is key when using this phrase.

Common error

Avoid labeling a question as an "elementary question" in situations where the audience possesses advanced knowledge. Doing so can appear patronizing or undermine the complexity of the topic being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elementary question" functions as a noun phrase, where "elementary" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. It is used to describe a question that is basic, simple, or introductory in nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elementary question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a basic or uncomplicated inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it finds utility across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-understood. To avoid potential misunderstandings, one should be mindful of the context and audience when using "elementary question", ensuring that its use does not come across as patronizing, particularly in advanced discussions. Consider alternatives like "basic question" or "simple question" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Basic question

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the question.

Simple question

Emphasizes the ease of understanding or answering the question.

Fundamental question

Highlights the foundational importance of the question.

Introductory question

Suggests the question is used to begin a discussion or learning process.

Initial question

Indicates the question is posed at the start of an inquiry.

Rudimentary question

Similar to "elementary", but can sometimes imply a lack of sophistication.

Easy question

Directly states the question is not difficult.

Straightforward question

Implies the question can be answered directly and without complication.

Obvious question

Suggests the question's answer is readily apparent.

Entry-level question

Implies the question is appropriate for beginners.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Let's start with an "elementary question": what are the basic principles of thermodynamics?" This introduces a fundamental concept in a simplified manner.

What is a good alternative to "elementary question"?

Consider using phrases like "basic question", "simple question", or "fundamental question" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "elementary question" in a formal setting?

Yes, "elementary question" can be used in formal settings, particularly when clarifying foundational concepts. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and avoids any implication of condescension. The key is context.

When should I avoid using the phrase "elementary question"?

Avoid using "elementary question" when addressing experts or in situations where the simplicity of the question might be perceived as dismissive of the topic's complexity. Choose alternative phrasing that acknowledges the sophistication of the discussion.