follow-up question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "follow-up question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used when you need an additional question to confirm or clarify an answer. For example: Q: What time did the presentation end? A: Around 3 pm. Follow-up question: Did everyone stay until the end of the presentation?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then I asked a follow-up question.

The New York Times

This is a follow-up question.

The New Yorker

There was no follow-up question; the conference ended.

The New York Times - Sports

I raised my hand to ask a follow-up question.

The Guardian - Opinion

A reporter's dumb follow-up question prompted a girlish giggle.

The New York Times - Arts

Each reply would invite a follow-up question.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But then there would be a pause and a follow up question.

The Guardian

Those with acute hearing recognize in that a polite follow up question.

The New York Times - Books

He deflects the follow up question of whether he has ruled out running in 2016.

BBC

There's no follow up question.

Vice

Erik: I have a follow up question!

Human Reproduction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "follow-up question" in formal writing, ensure it logically connects to the preceding question and provides additional depth to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using a "follow-up question" if it deviates significantly from the original topic. Ensure it directly relates to the initial question to maintain relevance and coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "follow-up question" functions as a noun phrase typically used to introduce a subsequent inquiry that builds upon a previous question or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "follow-up question" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a question that builds upon a previous answer. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. To use this phrase effectively, ensure the "follow-up question" is relevant to the original topic and serves to clarify or deepen the understanding. By mastering its usage, you enhance your communication skills and foster more meaningful conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

further question

A more concise way of saying "follow-up question" with similar meaning.

secondary question

Uses "secondary" as a direct substitute for "follow-up", indicating a second question related to the first.

additional question

Emphasizes that the question is added to the initial query.

related question

Indicates the question is connected to the previous statement or question.

second question

Simply identifies it as the second question in a sequence.

subsequent inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal synonym and "follow-up" with "subsequent", increasing formality.

clarifying question

Highlights the purpose of the question as seeking clarification.

probing question

Suggests a question intended to explore the topic further.

ensuing question

Uses a more formal term, "ensuing", to describe the question that follows.

developing question

Highlights that the question builds upon previous information.

FAQs

How do you use "follow-up question" in a sentence?

You can use "follow-up question" to introduce a question that builds upon a previous answer. For example, "The initial response was helpful; however, I have a "follow-up question" regarding the budget allocation."

What is another way to say "follow-up question"?

Alternatives include "additional question", "further question", or "related question" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to ask a "follow-up question" during a presentation?

Yes, asking a "follow-up question" is often encouraged to seek clarification or additional details. However, it is important to be mindful of the speaker's time and the overall flow of the presentation.

What's the difference between a "follow-up question" and a clarifying question?

A clarifying question aims to understand something already stated, while a "follow-up question" seeks additional information or probes deeper into a topic that has been introduced. Although "clarifying question" can be a kind of follow-up question.