explicit question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explicit question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that is clearly and directly stated, leaving no room for ambiguity. Example: "In the discussion, she posed an explicit question about the project's timeline, ensuring everyone understood the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The explicit question is, How did one man drift away from faith?

The New York Times - Books

The GRADE process begins with asking an explicit question, including specification of all important outcomes.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

You can also add in an explicit question for them to indicate they would like to receive text messages reminders.

Stanford University

Nor was it an explicit question in Italy's constitutional referendum the same day, although Eurosceptics and populists were prominent in the coalition that rejected Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's reforms and brought down his government.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few months ago a serious and smart young acting student from the Atlantic Theater Company School asked his classmates and me, "How do we get people to believe that something that costs $5, $10 or $15 is worthwhile?" Worth the travel time, of course, and (always the implicit or explicit question) worth seeing instead of a movie?

The New York Times - Arts

On Guardian Careers, we receive lots of questions and comments - often via social media and our live Q&As, fittingly - about the difficulties and frustrations you're facing in the job market, and there's always an undertone, if not the explicit question, of "is this just me?" Of course, and sadly, the answer is no.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Within a minute or two they were asking extremely sexually explicit questions".

The New York Times

This includes explicit questions, such as could you repeat that, or I don't understand.

Cornell University

Q: I am not so sure whether the implicit or explicit questions of plagiarism are at all interesting.

The Guardian - Books

Many express surprise that Stop AIDS is online, then pepper him with sexually explicit questions about what constitutes risky behavior.

The New York Times - Tech

So men are left, typically, to their primary care physicians, few of whom ask the kind of explicit questions that Dr. Bell asks of his patients.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explicit question" when you want to emphasize that a question is direct, clear, and leaves no room for misinterpretation. It's particularly useful in formal writing and discussions where precision is important.

Common error

Be mindful not to confuse "explicit question" with 'implicit question'. An explicit question is directly stated, while an implicit question is implied but not directly expressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicit question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "explicit" modifies the noun "question". It describes a specific type of question that is direct and clear. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explicit question" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to describe a question that is direct and clear. As Ludwig AI highlights, it frequently appears in academic, news, and scientific contexts, where precision is valued. When using the phrase, ensure that the question being described is indeed overtly stated, avoiding any confusion with implicit inquiries. The phrase is a useful tool for emphasizing clarity and directness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clear question

Focuses on the unambiguity and comprehensibility of the question.

Straightforward question

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of complexity in the question.

Unambiguous question

Stresses the lack of potential for misinterpretation.

Plain question

Highlights the simplicity and clarity of the question.

Direct inquiry

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the question.

Specifically posed question

Emphasizes the intentional and precise formulation of the question.

Unequivocal question

Emphasizes that the question admits of only one interpretation.

Precisely worded question

Focuses on the exactness and careful construction of the question.

Overt question

Highlights the open and unconcealed nature of the question.

Pointed question

Highlights the directness and relevance of the question.

FAQs

What does "explicit question" mean?

An "explicit question" refers to a question that is stated clearly and directly, leaving no room for ambiguity or implication. It's a question that is openly and plainly expressed.

How is an "explicit question" different from an implicit one?

An "implicit question" is not directly stated but suggested or implied, requiring the listener or reader to infer the question. In contrast, an "explicit question" is directly and openly asked.

When is it appropriate to use the term "explicit question"?

It is appropriate to use the term "explicit question" when you want to emphasize that a question was direct, clear, and left no room for misinterpretation, particularly in formal or academic contexts.

What are some alternatives to saying "explicit question"?

Some alternatives to "explicit question" include "clear question", "direct inquiry", or "straightforward question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.