formulate the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"formulate the question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to create or come up with a question. Example: "For your research paper, you need to formulate a clear and concise question that your study will seek to answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But they tended to formulate the question in ways that allowed traditional economics to provide a demonstrable, reassuring answer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This Wednesday marks the 48th anniversary, giving the government two years to formulate the question it will take to the electorate.

The Guardian

The linkage between metal, norse mythology and fascism has been established, and it remains troubling to those who are interested in the first two but not the third – in the Faroe Islands this summer, I was talking to the manager of a "Viking metal" band who, before I could even formulate the question, was at pains to insist they were not in any way far-right in their political views.

The Guardian - Music

Indeed, on this way of thinking one cannot even formulate the question about the possibility of strict psychophysical laws.

SEP

But on the other hand, if they formulate the question properly, they can find the answer despite the noise".

Environmental Systems Research

A good bioliographic search should comply with three requirements: clearly identify the question, appropriately search in the adequate resources and adequately formulate the question according to the database.

SEMERGEN - Medicina de Familia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The skeptic is an investigator, and one anti-skeptical charge says that, if indeed the skeptic knew nothing, she could not even formulate the questions she investigates.

SEP

I couldn't even begin to formulate the questions not to mention the answers.

Huffington Post

What happens is that they instead beat the examiner, who doesn't recognise what's occurring or who doesn't formulate the questions correctly".

Vice

The quality aspects were used to formulate the questions and compile the draft questionnaire.

BMC Health Services Research

The panel did not formulate the questions and had no influence on the content presented at the meeting.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing research papers or conducting investigations, ensure you clearly "formulate the question" to guide your research and analysis effectively.

Common error

Avoid formulating questions that are too broad or ambiguous. Ensure the question is specific and focused to facilitate a more direct and meaningful answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate the question" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating or phrasing a question. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used correctly in various contexts to express the act of developing a query.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formulate the question" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid phrase used to describe the act of crafting or expressing a question. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, especially in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-understood and serves to emphasize the thoughtful construction of an inquiry. Related phrases like "frame the question" or "pose the question" offer similar semantic nuances. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in framing your inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frame the question

Emphasizes the structuring or wording of a question.

pose the question

Focuses on the act of presenting a question.

phrase the question

Highlights the specific wording used to ask something.

word the question

Stresses the choice of words used in asking.

develop the question

Suggests a process of refining or elaborating on a question.

construct the question

Implies building or creating a question from elements.

define the question

Focuses on clarifying the scope and nature of the inquiry.

express the question

Highlights the articulation or communication of a question.

articulate the question

Emphasizes clear and effective expression of a question.

put the question

A more informal way of saying to ask or present a question.

FAQs

How can I use "formulate the question" in a sentence?

You can use "formulate the question" to describe the process of creating or expressing a question. For example, "Before starting the experiment, the scientist needed to "formulate the question" clearly".

What are some alternatives to "formulate the question"?

Alternatives include "frame the question", "pose the question", or "phrase the question", all of which convey a similar meaning of creating or expressing an inquiry.

Is it better to "formulate a question" or "ask a question"?

"Formulate a question" implies a more thoughtful and deliberate process of creating the question, while "ask a question" is a more general term for posing an inquiry. The choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Why is it important to "formulate the question" carefully?

Carefully formulating the question ensures that the inquiry is clear, focused, and relevant. A well-formulated question guides the investigation and helps to obtain meaningful and useful answers.