float a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "float a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest or introduce a question for consideration or discussion. Example: "During the meeting, I would like to float a question about our project timeline to see if everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A scene of near hysteria descends, after they've been talking about a shared love of manga cartoons and computer games, when I float a question: which would they prefer – an Attack the Block computer game being made or Attack the Block manga?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Meanwhile, her project implicitly floats a question that concerns many young artists as they approach middle age: how do you grow up without turning into your parents?

The New York Times

Profound questions about culture, questions about whether parliaments serve people or undisclosed interests, floated like a question mark up the Hume and then then Federal Highway in the direction of the capital.

The Guardian

Analysts say the United States wants to ensure that an American remains at the top of the World Bank and in the deputy position at the fund — the name of David Lipton, currently senior director for international economics in the White House, has been floated — but question whether it can credibly argue for a switch of the top job to the emerging world and still keep its claim on these positions.

The New York Times

Already the commissioner is floating the question of whether kickoffs should be eliminated in the name of safety – I don't think that is a far-fetched idea and I think there will be other ideas like it.

The New York Times

Across his orange juice and oatmeal, Begley floated the question: Why couldn't his group get the same finding as the oncologist?

Science Magazine

Names are floated, motives questioned, in a cosy cocoon of privacy.

Independent

For myself, a sort of cartoon cloud in the shape of a question mark floated above my head for two and a half hours.

Independent

I proceeded: "Remember that story about how Mama and I wanted to make you guys, but we were missing the man ingredient, so some people helped us find a man called a 'donor' who gave us the ingredient?" "Yeah...," Little nodded, but a question mark floated at the end of that word.

Huffington Post

"New Zealand women earn 12percentt less because they're just a bit rubbish at their jobs!" But it's a question that floats around conversations on the gender pay gap like a bad smell: maybe men earn more because they're just… better?

Vice

And during the drama a disembodied voice had floated the haunting question, "Can music lie?" An answer was offered but it was just as enigmatic as the question: Music can lie, but "only if it is used like a language, like a code".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "float a question", consider the audience and context. It is most appropriate in settings where informal language is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "float a question" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more direct alternatives like "raise a question" or "pose a question" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "float a question" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a question or suggestion in a subtle or tentative manner. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in written English. It shares a similar function with "raise a question" or "pose a question".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "float a question" is a grammatically sound and understandable idiomatic expression, used to gently introduce a topic for discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. Its usage is more common in News & Media, and Scientific contexts, and it may be less suitable for highly formal writing or academic settings. Alternatives include "raise a question" and "pose a question". When using "float a question", consider your audience and the level of formality required by the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise a question

Emphasizes bringing up a question for discussion.

pose a question

Highlights the act of formally presenting a question.

bring up a question

Suggests introducing a question into a conversation or discussion.

put forward a question

Indicates formally suggesting a question for consideration.

table a question

Means to postpone discussion of a question.

advance a question

Implies moving a question forward for discussion.

introduce a question

Focuses on the act of presenting a question for the first time.

broach a question

Implies gently raising a sensitive or difficult question.

present a question

Highlights the act of formally offering a question.

suggest a question

Implies offering a question as a possible topic of inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "float a question" to subtly introduce a topic for discussion. For example: "During the meeting, I'd like to float a question about our budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to "float a question"?

Alternatives include "raise a question", "pose a question", or "bring up a question", depending on the context.

Is "float a question" appropriate for formal writing?

While "float a question" is acceptable, it's often better to use more formal alternatives like "raise a question" or "present a question" in formal writing.

What does it mean to "float a question"?

To "float a question" means to gently introduce a question or idea for consideration, often in a non-confrontational or subtle way.