genuine question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'genuine question' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an honest or sincere question that you are asking someone. For example, "I have a genuine question - why do you think that happened?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Genuine question.

Independent

This is a genuine question.

The Guardian

But the other two are genuine question marks.

The New York Times

Genuine question: How many PL teams would Flamini start for?

Independent

Start with a simple, genuine question: "How do you feel?

Harvard Business Review

Genuine question: what shall we do with the drunken sailors?

The Guardian

Is that a genuine question about my sexuality?

The Guardian

My first question, and this is a genuine question, concerns the victims.

The New York Times

But what if we are to treat it as a genuine question?

The New York Times

And it is a genuine question: please enlighten me if you know the answer.

The Economist

And when I ask a question that's a real question, you know a genuine question.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genuine question" when you want to emphasize the sincerity and honesty behind your inquiry, ensuring your audience understands you are truly seeking information or clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "genuine question" when posing a rhetorical question, as it implies you expect an answer and are open to different perspectives. A rhetorical question is intended to make a point, not to elicit information, so the sincerity implied by "genuine" would be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine question" functions as a qualifier to the noun "question", emphasizing the sincerity and authenticity of the inquiry. It's used to assure the listener or reader that the question is posed with honest intent, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine question" is a commonly used phrase to highlight the sincerity and authenticity of an inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. Using the phrase helps ensure your audience understands your honest intent in seeking information. While alternatives like "sincere inquiry" or "honest inquiry" exist, "genuine question" remains a straightforward and effective way to emphasize your sincerity. Remember to avoid using it with rhetorical questions, where sincerity is not the intended purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sincere inquiry

Emphasizes the honesty and depth of the question.

Honest inquiry

Highlights the lack of deception in the questioning.

Legitimate question

Suggests the question is valid and worthy of consideration.

Valid question

Focuses on the relevance and justification of the question.

Real question

Stresses the authenticity and importance of the question.

Serious question

Indicates the question has significant implications.

A question in earnest

Highlights the speaker's sincerity and serious intent.

A matter for earnest consideration

Shifts focus to the importance of careful thought and deliberation about a subject.

A subject for rigorous inquiry

Emphasizes the need for detailed and thorough examination of a topic.

A topic demanding careful scrutiny

Stresses the necessity of close and critical inspection of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "genuine question" to preface an inquiry, indicating its sincerity. For example, "I have a "genuine question" about the project's timeline."

What can I say instead of "genuine question"?

You can use alternatives like "sincere inquiry", "honest inquiry", or "legitimate question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "genuine question" or "real question"?

Both ""genuine question"" and "real question" are correct and often interchangeable. "Genuine" emphasizes sincerity, while "real" emphasizes authenticity.

What's the difference between "genuine question" and "rhetorical question"?

A ""genuine question"" seeks a sincere answer, while a rhetorical question is asked for effect and doesn't require a response. Using "genuine question" highlights the expectation of a truthful answer.