general question

USAGE SUMMARY

"general question" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a broad question that does not have a specific answer. For example: "What is the purpose of life?" is a general question.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A general question will get you a generic answer.

Forbes

The general question is simple.

The New York Times

Damien A general question really.

The Guardian

Prof Easton: @Damien - that is an interesting general question.

The Guardian

General question on what rules we have at the Guardian.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm just asking a general question," Nunes said.

The New Yorker

All rounds included general question on self-rated health.

Princeton University

A general question is not a public records request.

Columbia University

The general question of how it was handled….

University of California, Berkeley

Dr. Kauffmann, you have asked a general question.

Yale University

The general question of error in measurement raises the topic of measurement theory.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a "general question", be prepared for a correspondingly broad answer. If you need specific information, refine your question to be more targeted.

Common error

Avoid assuming a highly specific or detailed answer when asking a "general question". If specific information is needed, formulate a precise question.

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "general question" functions as a noun phrase, where 'general' is an adjective modifying the noun 'question'. This phrase identifies a broad inquiry or topic of discussion. Ludwig confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "general question" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for indicating a broad inquiry. Ludwig AI affirms its validity across various domains. It serves to initiate discussions and explore topics at a high level. The register is typically neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts from news and media to academic discussions. When using "general question", be mindful that the breadth of the inquiry may yield equally broad responses; specificity is key when targeted information is needed. Therefore, refining your question is always a good idea if you expect to find narrower information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nonspecific question

Directly indicates the absence of specific details.

broad inquiry

Emphasizes the wide scope of the question.

open-ended question

Suggests the question allows for a wide range of answers.

vague question

Highlights the lack of specificity in the question.

generic question

Suggests the question is typical and unoriginal.

wide-ranging question

Emphasizes the extensive scope of the question.

sweeping question

Implies the question covers a large area or topic.

overarching question

Highlights that the question is a main or central one.

global question

Indicates the question is comprehensive in nature.

high-level question

Implies the question deals with abstract concepts rather than specific details.

FAQs

How can I make my "general question" more specific?

To refine a "general question", identify the core information you need and add details related to scope, context, or desired outcome. Instead of "What are the benefits of exercise?", ask "What are the benefits of daily cardio for weight loss?"

What's the difference between a "general question" and a specific question?

A "general question" is broad and covers a wide area, while a specific question is narrow and focuses on particular details. A "specific question" targets particular information, reducing ambiguity and leading to more precise responses.

What can I say instead of asking a "general question"?

If you need focused information, try asking a "targeted inquiry" or a "focused question". This helps to avoid vague or overly broad responses.

When is it appropriate to ask a "general question"?

A "general question" is suitable when you are exploring a topic, seeking an overview, or initiating a discussion. It's useful for gathering initial information or understanding broad concepts before diving into specifics.