examine the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"examine the question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an inquiry or query that needs to be closely analyzed and thought about. For example, "Before we can come to a conclusion on this decision, we will need to examine the question carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In particular, groups will examine the question: Why would someone continue to work after retirement age?

The New York Times

But Messud's comments seemed an occasion to examine the question again.

The New Yorker

It forces us to examine the question of what is special about human life.

The New York Times

Officials with the state's attorney general's office, however, said they intended to examine the question.

The New York Times

The researchers did not offer a hypothesis and instead encouraged future research to examine the question.

The New York Times

Overview of Lesson Plan: In this lesson, students examine the question of relocation in child custody litigation.

The New York Times

And President Obama has to examine the question of what he can and can't ascribe to the Bush Administration.

The New Yorker

Considerable effort will be needed to examine the question on a larger scale and over longer periods, they said.

The New York Times - Science

He said that he respected the court's decision to examine the question of race, but that it should let the verdict stand.

The New York Times

Metro Matters promised to examine the question, and the short answer is yes, though their chances of success raise another question altogether.

The New York Times

The Resonance Ensemble's two plays in repertory — Shaw's "Caesar and Cleopatra" and Christopher Boal's "23 Knives" — examine the question from each standpoint.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "examine the question" when you want to emphasize a careful and systematic analysis of a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "examine the question" in very casual conversations; opt for more relaxed phrases like "think about it" or "look into it" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examine the question" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to introduce or describe the act of analyzing a particular issue or query. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a detailed and careful consideration of the matter at hand. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in analytical discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "examine the question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a careful and systematic analysis of a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to introduce a detailed investigation, often in formal or neutral contexts like news, media, and scientific publications. While versatile, it is best suited for scenarios where a thorough analysis is intended, as opposed to casual conversation. Alternatives such as "investigate the question" or "analyze the question" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to consider the context to ensure appropriate register and avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigate the question

Implies a more formal or systematic inquiry.

analyze the question

Suggests a detailed examination of the question's components.

explore the question

Indicates a broader, less structured investigation.

consider the question

Suggests a more thoughtful and reflective approach.

address the question

Implies dealing directly with the question at hand.

study the question

Suggests a more academic or research-oriented approach.

review the question

Indicates a re-examination or assessment of the question.

scrutinize the question

Implies a very careful and critical examination.

delve into the question

Indicates a deep and thorough investigation.

probe the question

Suggests an attempt to uncover hidden or less obvious aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "examine the question" in a sentence?

You can use "examine the question" to introduce a careful analysis or investigation of a topic. For instance, "The committee will "examine the question" of funding allocation."

What are some alternatives to "examine the question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "investigate the question", "analyze the question", or "explore the question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "examine the question" formal or informal?

"Examine the question" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "examine the question" and "address the question"?

"Examine the question" implies a thorough analysis and investigation, while "address the question" suggests dealing directly with the issue, potentially without the same level of in-depth analysis.