natural question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natural question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a question that is obvious or expected in a given situation. Here is an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "The natural question that arises after hearing about the company's financial struggles is: how will this impact its employees?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a natural question.

The New York Times - Magazine

The natural question is, why?

The New York Times

That's the natural question about history's monsters.

The New York Times - Books

The natural question is what went wrong?

The New York Times - Sports

It's such a natural question, Gainer says.

The Washington Post

That is a very natural question.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That leads us to the natural question.

Yale University

The natural question for the Goldbergs is: Why?

The New York Times

It was the most natural question to ask a traveller.

The New Yorker

This answers in the affirmative a natural question concerning hypercyclic C0-semigroups.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"That is not easily explained, and raises the natural question of why it is that way".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a "natural question", immediately follow it with an explanation or answer to maintain clarity and engagement. This prevents the reader from being left in suspense or confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "natural question" too frequently in your writing. While it can be effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing to introduce questions in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural question" functions as an introductory element to signal that an inquiry is a logical and expected progression from the preceding discussion. It prefaces the question, preparing the audience for a relevant point of consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "natural question" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an inquiry that logically follows from a preceding discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively guides readers or listeners by highlighting the connection between established information and the subsequent question. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and to maintain clarity by immediately addressing the posed question. Consider alternatives such as "obvious question" or "logical inquiry" to avoid repetition. Its consistent usage across various reliable sources underscores its value as an effective communication tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious question

This alternative highlights the apparent or self-evident nature of the question.

expected question

This alternative suggests that the question is anticipated or predictable.

understandable question

This alternative focuses on the question being easy to comprehend or sympathize with.

logical inquiry

This alternative emphasizes the logical and rational aspect of the question.

reasonable question

This alternative points out the question being fair or appropriate in the context.

inevitable question

This alternative suggests the question cannot be avoided.

foreseeable question

This alternative implies that the question could have been anticipated.

unavoidable question

This alternative emphasizes the impossibility of evading the question.

predictable question

This alternative stresses the ease with which the question could have been predicted.

common question

This alternative highlights the frequency with which the question is asked.

FAQs

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

You can use "natural question" to introduce an inquiry that logically follows from the context, such as, "After considering the data, the "natural question" is whether these results are statistically significant."

What are some alternatives to "natural question"?

Alternatives include "logical inquiry", "obvious question", or "expected question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "natural question"?

Yes, "natural question" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage.

What does "natural question" imply in academic writing?

In academic writing, "natural question" suggests that the inquiry arises logically from established theory or empirical findings, indicating a gap in knowledge or a potential area for further investigation.