excellent question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excellent question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge and commend someone for asking a thoughtful or insightful question. Example: "Thank you for your input during the meeting; that was an excellent question about our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Excellent Question.

MIT Technology Review

GEORGE PACKER: Excellent question.

The New Yorker

It's an excellent question.

The New Yorker

MALCOLM GLADWELL: Excellent question.

The New Yorker

WENDELL STEAVENSON: Excellent question.

The New Yorker

MICHAEL SPECTER: Excellent question.

The New Yorker

"That's an excellent question".

The New Yorker

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: Excellent question.

The New Yorker

"Excellent question," he said.

The New York Times

Excellent question, Jonathan!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Steve Barr: Excellent question.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In a written response, follow up the phrase "excellent question" with a direct and concise answer, demonstrating respect for the questioner and their curiosity.

Common error

While "excellent question" is a positive acknowledgment, avoid using it for every question, as it can dilute its impact and sound insincere. Vary your responses with phrases like "good point" or "interesting question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excellent question" serves as an interjection or acknowledgment. It's used to positively reinforce the person who posed the question and signal that their query is insightful or valuable. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excellent question" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile expression used to acknowledge insightful inquiries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common phrase in English. Its frequent occurrence in News & Media and Academia highlights its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. While "excellent question" is valuable for encouraging engagement, it's important to vary your responses to avoid sounding insincere. Alternatives such as "great question" or "thoughtful question" offer subtle nuances in meaning, helping to convey your appreciation more precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great question

A more common and slightly less formal way to acknowledge a good question.

insightful question

Highlights the question's ability to reveal a deeper understanding of the topic.

well-formulated question

Acknowledges the clarity and structure of the question.

thoughtful question

Emphasizes the depth and consideration behind the question.

that's a key question

Highlights the importance and centrality of the question to the overall discussion.

valid question

Confirms the legitimacy and appropriateness of the question.

that's an important question

Emphasizes the significance of the question in addressing a relevant issue.

interesting question

Indicates that the question is thought-provoking and warrants further exploration.

that's a pertinent question

Highlights the relevance and applicability of the question to the current context.

good point

Acknowledges the validity and relevance of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "excellent question" to acknowledge a well-formulated or insightful inquiry, as in, "That's an excellent question, and here's why..."

What can I say instead of "excellent question"?

You can use alternatives like "great question", "thoughtful question", or "insightful question" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "excellent question" in formal writing?

Yes, "excellent question" is appropriate in formal writing, especially in Q&A formats or when addressing audience inquiries. However, consider the tone and formality of the overall piece.

How does "excellent question" differ from "good question"?

"Excellent question" expresses a higher degree of appreciation for the question's quality compared to the more general "good question". The former suggests the question is particularly insightful or well-articulated.