it prompts the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it prompts the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a question that arises from a previous statement or situation. Example: "The recent changes in policy are concerning; it prompts the question of how they will affect employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But it prompts the question: what changed, Jim?

Independent

It prompts the question: has the queen of hard-core autobiographical photography finally mellowed?

The Guardian - Arts

Most Kafkaesque of all, it prompts the question of what this slowly failing electricity source is actually supplying.

The Guardian - Books

It prompts the question: how can the media play a role in the accountability for the massive aid flows to sub-saharan Africa?

The Guardian

Again, this might be true, but it prompts the question as to why a subsequent left-of-centre democratic government did not reverse the process?

The Guardian - Opinion

Inevitably, it prompts the question of whether women have the staying power, the gritty determination, to hang in there through the inevitable ups and downs of politics.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It would rely heavily on the effective flow of information, but in some quarters it prompted the question of whether it is a matter in which IT managers should get involved.

The Guardian

Classroom learning also prompts questions and different perspectives.

Huffington Post

Now, maybe the one-room metaphor is not the best metaphor, because it immediately prompts the question, "Well, what's on the other side of the wall?" And of course, the physicalist's suggestion is there isn't anything on the other side of the wall.

Yale University

It all prompts the question: In a strange way, did Manning actually benefit from the neck injury that kept him out of football in 2011 and ended his spectacular run in Indianapolis?

Los Angeles Times

Although we do not observe this nonsynonymous SNP to be significantly differentiated in the A2 cohort (15% in the control vs. 23% in the old pool), it nevertheless prompts the question of how many potentially functional alleles have been lost from one of our two population pairs.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it prompts the question" to smoothly transition from a statement of fact or observation to a relevant inquiry that naturally follows. This creates a logical flow and encourages critical thinking in your audience.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it prompts the question" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "this makes you wonder" or "this leads to asking" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it prompts the question" functions as an initiator of inquiry, transitioning from a preceding statement to a question that logically arises from it. It serves to introduce a relevant question for further consideration, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it prompts the question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a question logically following a previous statement. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to introduce a question that arises from a statement or situation.

The analysis reveals that its register leans toward neutral to formal, making it suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional reports. Its usage is more frequent in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", highlighting its prevalence in analytical and inquisitive contexts. For more casual settings, alternatives like "this makes you wonder" or "this leads to asking" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication across diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it begs the question

This alternative is slightly more informal and implies that the question is obvious or unavoidable.

it raises the question

This alternative is a direct synonym, using a different verb to convey the same meaning.

it leads one to ask

This alternative is more descriptive and emphasizes the logical progression to the question.

it invites the question

This alternative suggests that the situation makes the question appealing or necessary.

this begs the query

This is a direct synonym, substituting 'it' for 'this' and question for 'query'.

this provokes the question

This is a direct synonym, substituting 'it' for 'this' and prompts for 'provokes'.

it gives rise to the question

This alternative emphasizes the causal relationship between the situation and the question.

it occasions the question

This alternative is more formal and suggests that the situation provides a specific opportunity to ask the question.

it sparks the inquiry

This alternative is less formal and suggests that it ignites the desire to look into the question.

it makes you wonder

This alternative is more conversational and emphasizes a sense of curiosity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it prompts the question" for a more casual tone?

Consider using phrases like "this makes you wonder", "this leads to asking", or "this gets you thinking" for a more relaxed and conversational style.

Is "it prompts the question" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, it might sound a bit stiff in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "this makes you wonder" or "this leads to asking" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it prompts the question" and "it begs the question"?

"It prompts the question" introduces a question that naturally arises. "It begs the question" /s/begs+the+question implies the question assumes something that hasn't been proven and is slightly more informal.

When is it appropriate to use "it prompts the question" in writing?

This phrase is suitable for formal writing, academic papers, and professional reports where a clear and logical transition to a question is needed. It's less common in informal contexts.