facile question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facile question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is easy to answer or understand, often implying that it lacks depth or complexity. Example: "While the exam was challenging, the last question was a facile question that everyone could answer without much thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is not a facile question.

The Economist

I ask whether the process get easier, and my rather facile question is answered with her dazzling smile: "No, You would think after doing this for so many years it would get easier.

Independent

Some people see a weekly cycle in politics, driven by the remorseless polling, endlessly analysed in the press and on television with facile answers to the facile question, "Who won the week?".

The Economist

This is not a facile question, aside from the obvious public interest (when was the last time you saw a report on a new dinosaur that didn't suggest how long it was, if only in terms of double decker buses?).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Facile questions are no fun – contestants want to feel some achievement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These facile questions arrive from patronising attitudes as unkind and crass as the caricatured relationships they pretend to expose.

The Guardian

Indeed, for the computer scientist John Seely Brown, machines that are facile at answering questions only serve to obscure what remains fundamentally human.

The New York Times - Science

The board revised the exam to eliminate more facile multiple-choice questions and permitted students to use calculators, although it stopped short of requiring essays, as some had recommended.

The New York Times

But they have to stop subjecting Democrats to these loaded, facile and irrelevant questions.

Huffington Post

I'm in Argentina at the moment and here the question seems facile.

The Guardian - Sport

I would question the facile assumption that Hamilton was the original Republican (or original Democrat, for that matter).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "facile question" to critique a question that oversimplifies a complex issue. This suggests the questioner hasn't considered the deeper implications or nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "facile question" when you simply mean an "easy question". "Facile" carries a connotation of superficiality or a lack of intellectual rigor, not just simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facile question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "facile" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "facile question" is used to describe a question that is overly simplistic or superficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, typically within news and media contexts. It's important to note that "facile" carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of intellectual depth, so it should be used judiciously. Consider alternatives like "simplistic question" or "superficial question" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simplistic question

Replaces "facile" with "simplistic", highlighting the lack of complexity in the question.

superficial question

Substitutes "facile" with "superficial", emphasizing the question's lack of depth.

shallow question

Uses "shallow" instead of "facile", suggesting a lack of thoroughness or insight.

trivial question

Replaces "facile" with "trivial", indicating the question is unimportant or insignificant.

easy question

A more straightforward alternative, focusing on the lack of difficulty.

basic question

Indicates the question covers fundamental or elementary concepts.

oversimplified question

Highlights that the question reduces complexity too much.

pat question

Suggests the question is rehearsed or expected, lacking originality.

stock question

Similar to "pat question", implying the question is commonly asked and lacks novelty.

elementary question

Emphasizes the question's straightforward and uncomplicated nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "facile question" to describe a question that is overly simplistic and doesn't address the complexities of a situation. For example, "His response to the complex issue was reduced to a "facile question" about cost."

What does "facile" mean in the context of a question?

In the context of a question, "facile" means superficial, simplistic, or lacking depth. It implies that the question doesn't fully engage with the complexity of the issue.

What are some alternatives to "facile question"?

Some alternatives to "facile question" include "simplistic question", "superficial question", or "shallow question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call a question "facile"?

Yes, it's appropriate to call a question "facile" if it's genuinely oversimplified or avoids the core issues. However, be mindful of the negative connotation and avoid using it to dismiss genuine inquiries.