elicit questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elicit questions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea of posing a question to someone, typically to encourage them to think or express their opinion. For example, "The speaker managed to elicit questions from the audience about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

After giving students basic information about your topic, elicit questions they still have.

The New York Times

In addition to pure photography, Arthur Ou works in sculpture and installation, deploying elements of photography within these different contexts to elicit questions concerning genre.

Princeton University

A document summarizing the charges says that while sales representatives were not supposed to initiate discussions of off-label uses, they were trained to elicit questions from doctors.

The New York Times

As Matthew, my 5-year-old, demonstrated, an hourlong performance is bound to elicit questions, from the expected ("Whoa, how'd they do that?") to the unexpected ("Mom, do both of them have underwear on?").

The New York Times - Arts

Sponsored by VH1, the Q&A launched the hashtag #AskThicke to elicit questions.

Huffington Post

Once we began using the fandom hashtags to elicit questions we got overwhelmingly bombarded.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Ellen's question would elicit a spirited question based on the facts.

Huffington Post

Michie's twelve theoretical domains, component constructs, and eliciting questions for investigating the implementation of evidence-based practice were used to guide questioning regarding barriers and enablers to PFMT for referrers (and providers) [ 20].

BMC Health Services Research

All that talking has elicited questions.

The New York Times

Many of the earlier posts elicited questions that were answered in later installments.

The New York Times

My name, Tripp, often elicits questions after introductions.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elicit questions" when you want to actively encourage or draw out inquiries from an audience or individual. It implies a deliberate effort to stimulate thought and discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "illicit questions" when you mean to "elicit questions". "Illicit" refers to something illegal or forbidden, while "elicit" means to draw out or evoke.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "elicit questions" is that of a verb phrase, where "elicit" acts as a transitive verb taking "questions" as its direct object. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elicit questions" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that means to draw out or evoke questions from someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications. While direct, the phrase is considered neutral in register, fitting formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, remember that "elicit" is different from "illicit", and that there exist multiple alternatives such as "raise questions" or "prompt inquiries", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt inquiries

Focuses on initiating or causing questions to arise.

spark questions

Emphasizes the sudden or immediate generation of questions.

draw out questions

Highlights the act of extracting or coaxing questions from someone.

invite questions

Suggests creating an opportunity or making it easier for questions to be asked.

provoke inquiries

Indicates that the questions arise as a response to something thought-provoking or controversial.

raise questions

Implies that questions are brought up or introduced for discussion.

generate questions

Focuses on the creation or production of questions.

stimulate inquiries

Emphasizes the encouragement or activation of questions.

encourage questioning

Highlights fostering an environment for asking questions.

foster inquiries

Suggests nurturing and promoting the asking of questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "elicit questions" to describe the act of prompting or drawing out inquiries. For example, "The presentation was designed to "elicit questions" from the audience".

What are some alternatives to "elicit questions"?

Alternatives include "prompt inquiries", "raise questions", or "draw out questions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "elicit questions" or "ask questions"?

"Ask questions" is a more direct and general term. "Elicit questions" implies a more strategic or deliberate effort to draw out inquiries, often to start a discussion or gather feedback.

What does "elicit questions" mean?

"Elicit questions" means to draw out or evoke questions from someone, often through a specific action, presentation, or discussion.