he asks a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he asks a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is inquiring or seeking information. Example: "During the meeting, he asks a question about the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He asks a question I can't answer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He asks a question and writes down another number.

The Guardian

He asks a question and writes down a number.

The Guardian

When he asks a question, he expects a chorus of "Yes" or "No" in response.

The New York Times - Sports

"What can go wrong?" he asks, a question Racine will have no trouble answering.

The Guardian

He asks a question once and he listens to the answer".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He asked a question.

The New Yorker

And he asked a question to President Moon of South Korea.

The Washington Post

Miller said he sensed tension before he asked a question.

The New York Times - Sports

When I asked Bogin to explain Shchedrovitsky, he asked a question.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I knew that when he asked a question like that, he wanted the truth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he asks a question" when you want to clearly state that someone is making an inquiry. It is straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex or redundant phrasing when "he asks a question" suffices. Simplicity often leads to clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he asks a question" functions as a simple declarative statement describing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. This phrase directly states that a person is making an inquiry, typically expecting a response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he asks a question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone making an inquiry. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, academia, and science. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "he poses a question" or "he raises a question", depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, avoid unnecessary complexity and ensure clarity by using this straightforward expression when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he poses a question

Replaces "asks" with "poses", emphasizing the act of presenting a question.

he raises a question

Substitutes "asks" with "raises", highlighting the introduction of a question for consideration.

he puts forth a question

Uses "puts forth" instead of "asks", suggesting a more formal or deliberate way of asking.

he inquires about

Replaces "asks a question" with a more direct form of questioning about a specific topic.

he queries

Uses a more concise and formal synonym for "asks".

he wants to know

Shifts the focus to the desire for information rather than the act of asking.

he seeks clarification

Emphasizes the intent behind the question - to gain a clearer understanding.

he probes

Implies a deeper, more investigative questioning.

he wonders

Suggests a thought process that leads to a question, rather than directly asking it.

he challenges with a question

Adds a confrontational element to the act of asking.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he asks a question" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives like "he poses a question" or "he raises a question" depending on the context. These options add a layer of formality to the statement.

What verbs are similar to "asks" in the phrase "he asks a question"?

Similar verbs include inquires, queries, poses, raises, and prompts. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. For instance, "he queries" is more formal than "he asks".

Is it correct to say "he questions" instead of "he asks a question"?

Yes, "he questions" is a valid and often more concise alternative, especially when the context already implies that he is seeking information.

How does the context affect the best alternative to "he asks a question"?

The context determines the most appropriate alternative. In formal settings, "he poses a question" might be suitable. In more informal settings, a simpler phrase like "he wants to know" could work better.