more specific question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more specific question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or narrow down a topic or inquiry to obtain detailed information. Example: "To better assist you, could you please provide a more specific question regarding your concerns?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A more specific question is: In what spirit did Mr. Penn conceive these unusual pictures in the first place?

The New York Times - Arts

But the more specific question for this pair is whether or not a well-fitting skirt can really turn a woman's life around.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This article is about the relationship between Dependency Phonology and Government Phonology in general, and the more specific question how exactly a dependency relation may incarnate.

Language Sciences

The more specific question is how this framework has responded to the shift towards more deliberative approaches to planning and decision making, advocated in planning theory and policy literature over the last decade.

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Worldwide, two-thirds of those surveyed said torture was wrong, though on the more specific question of whether it could be used to extract information from an enemy fighter, just under half said it was wrong.

The New York Times

A more specific question: whether a giant meteorite that left a crater more than 50 miles wide in what is now Quebec had anything to do with a large turnover in flora and fauna during the Triassic.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Posing more specific questions usually helps.

The New York Times - Health

Have more specific questions on brining or anything else Thanksgiving?

The New York Times

(Next time, I would ask more specific questions about the park's 140 miles of trails).

The New York Times - Travel

Finally, applying these results will provide more specific questions for studying the nature of innovation development in small enterprises.

Research Policy

If you have more specific questions, please feel free to contact us!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarification, begin with a broad question, then follow up with a "more specific question" to guide the respondent towards the exact information you need.

Common error

Avoid layering multiple clauses into your "more specific question". Keep it concise and focused on a single aspect to ensure clarity and avoid confusing the person you're asking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more specific question" functions as a modifier plus noun, indicating a type of question that is focused and detailed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to narrow down an inquiry for clearer and more targeted responses. The phrase commonly appears in various forms of discourse, including news articles, academic papers, and general writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more specific question" is a versatile phrase used to request a more focused and detailed inquiry. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, aim for clarity and conciseness to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "narrower question" or "refined question" to add nuance. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "more specific question" to elicit the exact information you need. The usage analysis shows its commonality and source diversity, solidifying its place in formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrower question

Focuses on the scope of the question being reduced.

more detailed inquiry

Emphasizes the depth of information sought.

refined question

Suggests the question has been improved or made more precise.

focused question

Highlights the concentration on a particular aspect.

targeted question

Implies the question is aimed at a particular piece of information.

precise question

Indicates the question is exact and accurate.

particular question

Highlights the question's distinct and individual nature.

drilled-down question

Suggests a more thorough and probing inquiry.

concrete question

Implies a question that is tangible and clear.

incisive question

Highlights the sharpness and directness of the question.

FAQs

How can I use "more specific question" in a sentence?

You can use "more specific question" to indicate a follow-up inquiry that narrows the focus. For example, "After the general overview, the committee asked a "more specific question" about the budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to "more specific question"?

Alternatives include "narrower question", "more detailed inquiry", or "refined question", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it better to ask a broad question or a "more specific question"?

It depends on the context. Start with a broad question to gather general information, then use a "more specific question" to delve into particular details.

What's the difference between "more detailed question" and "more specific question"?

"More detailed question" implies a request for additional information, while "more specific question" focuses on narrowing the scope of the inquiry to a particular aspect or detail. Both are valid alternatives in different contexts.