entertain questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entertain questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inviting or allowing others to ask questions, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "At the end of the presentation, I will entertain questions from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I'll entertain questions if necessary.

The Economist

He may even entertain questions from reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

He refused to entertain questions about his future.

The New York Times - Sports

"You didn't ask questions, and Roger wouldn't entertain questions".

The New Yorker

But an assistant said that Mr. Roldugin would not entertain questions about the family.

The New York Times

But they both sped through their campaign days and refused to entertain questions about their choices.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

She never entertained questions about her private life.

The Guardian - Sport

After entertaining questions about La Fenice's rebuilding, Berendt took one from Gloria Fischer.

The New Yorker

When he stops for diesel fuel, he entertains questions from truckers.

The New York Times

The outrageously smart and irreverent comedian Paul Mooney played Negrodamus, an African-American Nostradamus who crankily entertained questions about black life.

The New Yorker

Yesterday, Fassel entertained questions about his team's playoff chances, and whether the pressure was now on Philadelphia (9-5).

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entertain questions" when you want to convey a willingness to engage with an audience by answering their questions, especially in a formal setting like a presentation or press conference.

Common error

Avoid using "entertain questions" in very informal or casual settings. Alternatives like "I'm happy to answer your questions" or "feel free to ask" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertain questions" functions as a verbal phrase where "entertain" acts as a transitive verb. It indicates the act of receiving and addressing inquiries from others, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entertain questions" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to indicate a willingness to answer questions, particularly in formal or professional contexts. According to Ludwig, it functions as a verbal phrase where "entertain" acts as a transitive verb. While primarily found in News & Media sources, it can be used in various settings. When considering alternatives, "field questions" or "take questions" are suitable options. It's important to use "entertain questions" in appropriate contexts, avoiding very informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Overall, it remains a reliable and recognizable way to convey openness to dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take questions

A simpler and more direct way of saying "entertain questions".

field questions

Suggests managing or handling questions in a structured way.

respond to questions

Indicates a willingness to provide answers.

invite questions

Highlights the act of requesting questions from the audience.

answer queries

Focuses on providing answers to specific questions.

welcome questions

Emphasizes openness and encouragement of questions.

address inquiries

More formal and emphasizes responding to questions.

handle inquiries

More formal and suggests managing the question process.

be open to questions

Describes a general attitude of receptiveness to questions.

consider questions

Implies a thoughtful approach to addressing questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "entertain questions" when you want to convey a willingness to engage with an audience by answering their questions. For example, "After the presentation, I will "entertain questions" from the audience".

What can I say instead of "entertain questions"?

You can use alternatives like "field questions", "take questions", or "address inquiries" depending on the context.

Is "entertain questions" formal or informal?

"Entertain questions" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional or public settings. Other options such as "I'm happy to answer your questions" can work in less formal situations.

Which is correct, "entertain questions" or "entertaining questions"?

"Entertain questions" is the correct form. "Entertaining questions" refers to the questions themselves being amusing, not the act of answering them. So, you would "entertain questions", not be "entertaining questions".