innocuous question

USAGE SUMMARY

"innocuous question" is a valid phrase in the English language.
You can use it when you are asking a question that you think will not offend or provoke the person you are asking. For example: "Do you like this color? That's just an innocuous question, I'm not judging!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then GMTV's Jenni Falconer asked Bacall a seemingly innocuous question.

The Guardian

But to provide a brief factual answer to an innocuous question does not abuse your office.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Lewinsky is asked, "How are you doing?" -- a flattering, innocuous question.

The New York Times - Arts

Walters loves talking dirty, but ask an innocuous question about family life and she cradles her head in anguish.

The Guardian

Disappointed, Fenlon subsequently walked out of a media inquest after taking exception to an innocuous question about his tactics.

The Guardian - Sport

When he broke down while answering a fairly innocuous question in the press center, his teammates, led by Phil Mickelson, leapt in.

The New York Times - Sports

He asked an innocuous question of some of the Middlesex players: "Did you have a particular score that you kept getting out on?

The Times

In one instance, Mr. Dole was asked the fairly innocuous question, What was the one thing he wanted Americans to know about him?, Mr. Warfield recalled.

The New York Times

When Hillary Clinton welled up in response to an innocuous question about how she kept so upbeat on the presidential campaign trail in 2008, people took notice.

The Guardian - Opinion

I asked what I thought was a fairly innocuous question and she said: "I have a loaded gun under the table.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the first few weeks—let's be honest, months—of your uni degree, every new person you meet will accost you with one seemingly-innocuous question: Where did you go to school?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "innocuous question" to preface potentially sensitive inquiries, signaling your intent to avoid offense or controversy. This can help build rapport and encourage open communication.

Common error

Be mindful that even a seemingly "innocuous question" can be misinterpreted or trigger unexpected reactions based on individual experiences or sensitivities. Consider your audience and the potential impact of your questions, even if they appear harmless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "innocuous question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "innocuous" modifies the noun "question". It describes the type or quality of the question being asked. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "innocuous question" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a question that appears harmless and unlikely to cause offense. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is valid and widely used. While it is prevalent in News & Media, its usage extends to academic settings and everyday conversations. However, it's crucial to remember that the perceived innocuousness of a question can be subjective. Therefore, consider the context and audience to avoid unintended offense. Alternatives like "harmless inquiry" or "benign query" may offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmless inquiry

Focuses on the lack of potential harm or offense in the question.

benign query

Highlights the gentle and non-threatening nature of the question.

unobjectionable question

Emphasizes that the question is unlikely to cause disagreement or opposition.

inoffensive question

Stresses the lack of potential to cause offense.

safe question

Indicates a low-risk question that avoids controversial topics.

simple question

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the question.

casual question

Emphasizes the informal and relaxed nature of the question.

unprovocative question

Focuses on the lack of intent or potential to provoke a strong reaction.

mild question

Highlights the lack of intensity or severity of the question.

routine question

Suggests that the question is standard and expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "innocuous question" to describe a question that appears harmless and unlikely to cause offense. For example: "She asked an "innocuous question" about the weather, but the response was surprisingly heated."

What are some alternatives to "innocuous question"?

Alternatives to "innocuous question" include "harmless inquiry", "benign query", or "safe question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always safe to assume a question is truly innocuous?

No, it's important to consider the context and the individual you're asking. What seems like an "innocuous question" to one person might be sensitive or triggering for another.

When might an innocuous question be problematic?

An "innocuous question" can become problematic if it touches on a sensitive topic, is based on an assumption, or is asked in a way that feels judgmental or intrusive.