little question

USAGE SUMMARY

"little question" is a perfectly valid expression in written English.
In this context, it typically refers to a brief or relatively minor query. For example, you might write, "I have a little question about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a little question there.

The New York Times

There is little question on that point.

The New York Times

It's a little question of rent.

The New Yorker

Each sound is a little question mark.

The Guardian

There was little question the Colts would struggle without him.

The New York Times - Sports

There seemed little question that if the Pres.

The New Yorker

But there is little question that production is ramping up.

The New York Times

But there was little question his standing has suffered considerably.

The New York Times

There is equally little question that a long sulk followed.

The New York Times - Books

Along Blackwell Street, there is little question of that.

The New York Times

But there is little question that constraints on supply matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little question" when you want to downplay the significance or complexity of a query. This softens the inquiry, making it seem less demanding or intimidating.

Common error

While "little question" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking confidence. Opt for stronger phrases like "there is no doubt" or "it is clear" to convey certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little question" functions primarily as a qualifier to a noun, indicating that the question being posed or considered is of minor significance or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little question" serves as a qualifier, softening inquiries and downplaying their significance. While grammatically sound and frequently used, its appropriateness varies depending on the context. Ludwig AI underlines the phrase's validity and common usage across diverse sources like the New York Times, the New Yorker and academic publications. Although it appears mainly in News & Media, writers should consider stronger alternatives for formal writing to convey more certainty and confidence. Mastering the use of "little question" and its alternatives allows for nuanced communication, adapting to various contexts and audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight query

Replaces "question" with "query" and "little" with "slight", emphasizing the minor nature of the inquiry.

minor inquiry

Substitutes "question" with "inquiry", highlighting a formal and relatively unimportant question.

small question

Uses "small" instead of "little" to describe the question's scope or importance.

brief question

Replaces "little" with "brief", focusing on the question's conciseness.

simple question

Indicates that the question is easy to understand or answer.

minor point

Shifts the focus from a direct inquiry to a less significant element or detail.

trivial matter

Implies that the question pertains to something inconsequential or unimportant.

insignificant issue

Suggests the question relates to an unimportant problem or topic.

passing thought

Refers to a question that is fleeting and not deeply considered.

a minor concern

Indicates a slight worry or issue that someone might raise.

FAQs

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

You can use "little question" to introduce a minor or simple inquiry. For example, "I have a "little question" about the deadline." or "There is "little question" that he will succeed."

What are some alternatives to "little question"?

Some alternatives include "minor inquiry", "small question", or "slight query", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "little question"?

It's appropriate to use "little question" when posing a relatively simple or unimportant question, or when you want to soften the tone of your inquiry.

Is there a difference between "little question" and "minor question"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "minor question" may sound slightly more formal than "little question". The choice depends on the overall tone and context of your writing.