initial question

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "initial question" is not commonly used in written English.
Instead, the term "opening question" or "introductory question" is more commonly used to refer to the first question posed in a sentence or conversation. Here is an example of how "opening question" can be used in a sentence: The professor began the class with an opening question about the assigned reading.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

See how my initial question made what's your name?

The New Yorker

I return to my initial question: the Sorrowful Knight's object.

The Guardian - Books

From that initial question emerged The Story of Filomena.

Harvard University

See how my initial question made — what's your name?

The New Yorker

Which brings me back to my initial question.

Independent

"We still wanted to answer the initial question 'Should we marry?' " Mr. de Sève said.

The New York Times

"Everything flows accordingly under the initial question of was Michael, as a transsexual, a man".

The New York Times

There were initial question marks about getting him in, but I always wanted him".

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the other stuff has its role to play, not least in answering our initial question.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Initial question-generating activities resulted in 120 potential research questions.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

An initial question about this programme relates to its scope.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting a complex discussion, clearly state the "initial question" to provide context and focus for subsequent points. This helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone understands the core issue being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "initial question" when referring to a follow-up or related question later in the conversation. Ensure it truly represents the very first inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the opening inquiry within a discussion, investigation, or interview. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial question" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase that denotes the starting point of an inquiry or discussion. Ludwig's AI analysis, indicates the phrase has broad applicability across diverse domains, particularly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While synonymous alternatives like "opening question" and "introductory question" exist, "initial question" maintains its relevance due to its clarity and directness. Remember to use it accurately to refer to the very first question to maintain clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening question

Emphasizes the role of the question in starting a conversation or investigation.

introductory question

Highlights the question's purpose of introducing a topic.

starting question

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the question being the first.

first question

A straightforward alternative that clearly indicates the question's position in a sequence.

primary question

Indicates that the question is the main or most important one at the beginning.

initial inquiry

Replaces "question" with the more formal term "inquiry", suggesting a more formal context.

preliminary question

Suggests the question is posed before further investigation or discussion.

original question

Emphasizes that the question is the first one posed, from which subsequent questions might derive.

opening gambit

Uses a more metaphorical term, implying the question is a strategic move to start a conversation.

presenting question

Focuses on the act of putting forth a question for consideration at the start.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial question" to refer to the first question posed in a discussion or investigation. For example, "The success of the experiment hinged on answering the "initial question" correctly."

What are some alternatives to "initial question"?

Alternatives include "opening question", "introductory question", or "starting question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the very initial question"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" might be redundant since "initial" already implies the first. Consider whether the extra emphasis is necessary for clarity.

What's the difference between "initial question" and "leading question"?

The "initial question" is simply the first question asked. A "leading question", on the other hand, is a question phrased in a way that suggests a particular answer or contains information the questioner wants the respondent to confirm.