inviting questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inviting questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging others to ask questions, typically in a discussion, presentation, or written communication. Example: "At the end of my presentation, I will be inviting questions from the audience to clarify any doubts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

1.51pm: Hoggart is inviting questions now.

The Guardian

In interviews, Monáe sometimes speaks as Cindi, at once evading and inviting questions.

The New Yorker

Every major work stands out on its own, inviting questions to which there are no easy answers.

The New York Times - Arts

She speaks about guns with such calm and conviction, inviting questions with a hearty welcoming smile, she almost lures outsiders into a friendly debate.

The Guardian - Sport

Last fall, two female officers went through the course as an experiment and failed, inviting questions — even though large numbers of men fail — of whether women were up to it.

The New York Times

Donald Trump appeared to invent a terrorist attack in Sweden during a campaign-style rally in Florida on Saturday, inviting questions that he may have confused the Scandinavian country with a city in Pakistan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's an inviting question.

The Guardian - Music

While the sites may be bigger and less intimate, candidates like Mr. Edwards and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton are still inviting question after question.

The New York Times

By focusing on contributions under $200 or $100, rather than small-dollar contributions as a share of total fundraising, Harris and Trump are inviting several questions.

The Washington Post

As revelers milled around Central Park, at the heart of Delhi, on New Year's, a handful of men and women, stood outside the gates, holding their pledges, inviting stares, questions, and attracting curious onlookers.

The New York Times

He tells us, inviting no questions, that all the cliches about Caligula are true: he was constantly "amused" by humiliating, torturing and killing other people, especially the elite class of men who would otherwise threaten his own power.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To reinforce the invitation, briefly summarize the key topics covered. This helps to focus the questions and ensures that the audience is prepared to ask relevant inquiries.

Common error

While "inviting questions" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can sound repetitive. In formal writing, vary your language by using alternatives such as "seeking clarification" or "encouraging inquiries" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inviting questions" functions as a verbal phrase used to encourage audience participation and clarify understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inviting questions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to encourage audience participation and address queries, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily to create an open dialogue in various settings. Although generally neutral, formal alternatives like "soliciting questions" may be preferred in certain contexts. While frequently found in News & Media and Science, diversifying your language, especially in formal documents, is recommended. By actively "inviting questions", you promote an inclusive and collaborative environment. The top authoritative sources include The Guardian, The New York Times and BBC, among others, demonstrating its widespread acceptance in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

welcoming questions

This alternative emphasizes a positive reception to questions, suggesting a friendly and open environment.

soliciting questions

This alternative implies a more active request for questions, compared to the passive implication of "inviting".

opening the floor for questions

This is a more idiomatic expression, commonly used in presentations or meetings to signal the start of a Q&A session.

encouraging inquiries

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of prompting questions.

opening up for discussion

Similar to "opening the floor", this phrase suggests a broader discussion beyond just question and answer.

prompting queries

This suggests a more deliberate attempt to stimulate questions, possibly by presenting intriguing information.

creating an opportunity for questions

Highlights the active creation of a situation where questions are welcome and expected.

seeking input

This phrase broadens the scope beyond just questions, including any form of feedback or suggestions.

requesting clarification

Focuses specifically on asking for more detailed explanations or understandings.

fostering dialogue

Implies a broader goal of creating a two-way conversation, of which questions are a part.

FAQs

How can I use "inviting questions" in a presentation?

You can conclude your presentation by saying something like, "I'm now "opening the floor for questions"" or "I am "inviting questions" from the audience at this time." This signals that you are ready and willing to answer queries.

What's a more formal way to say "inviting questions"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "soliciting questions" or "encouraging inquiries". These options convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

Is it always appropriate to use "inviting questions"?

While generally appropriate, consider your audience and the context. In highly formal settings, alternative phrases may be preferable. However, in most situations, "inviting questions" is a clear and welcoming way to encourage participation.

What are some subtle ways of "inviting questions" without explicitly saying it?

Instead of directly saying "I am "inviting questions"", you could say, "What are your thoughts?" or "I'd be interested to hear your perspectives". These approaches can encourage interaction without being overly direct.