neat question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neat question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express appreciation for a question that is interesting or thought-provoking. Example: "That's a neat question! It really makes me think about the implications of our choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The show was perfectly serviceable, with a neat question mechanic, and an exciting "share or shaft" endgame where you could steal vast sums of money from your opponent.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And here is the neat and powerful question posed by Piercy's fusion of feminism with science fiction: Who or what is a creature that is programmed with both a woman's and a man's mentality?

Huffington Post

If you ask easy questions neat answers will surely come.

The New York Times

The central narrative involving Ephraim and his friends ultimately shies away from the darker side of immortality, with an ending that at once feels a bit too neat and leaves questions hanging.

The New York Times - Books

It's a neat turn: Shakar questions the possibility that we can be happy with a truth we know we have invented, while tweaking the medical materialism that would place this "inevitable disappointment" in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

The New York Times - Books

But Westminster could fairly argue that Scots apparently prefer further devolution to outright independence.Scotch, neat, no iceA simple question also makes for straightforward campaigning.

The Economist

WHEN a miniature work of art seems to be a real feat, a neat solution to a question of space, it is inherently involving.

The New York Times

SH: And generally your films do ask that; there's no neat resolution of difficult questions.

The Guardian - Film

His answers to questions are neat little vignettes that tend to start with the phrase "When I was" and wrap up with a sentence that begins "So I learned".

The New York Times - Style

He did seem to believe that there is a single, underlying pattern to the development of mature sciences that is key to their success, hence that there is a neat overall solution to the question of how to explain scientific progress (a question that many in the science studies disciplines believe is the wrong thing to ask).

SEP

Our NEAT questionnaire consists of 11 question items about locomotive activities such as walking and going up stairs, and 25 question items about non-locomotive activities such as washing dishes, ironing and sewing, and 21 question items are related to housework.

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neat question" to express appreciation for a question that is well-articulated, insightful, or cleverly conceived. It conveys a sense of admiration for the questioner's thinking process.

Common error

While "neat" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound informal. Consider alternatives like "insightful" or "well-formulated" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neat question" functions primarily as an adjective-noun phrase. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to describe the quality of the question.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "neat question" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey appreciation for a well-articulated or insightful inquiry. Ludwig indicates that its purpose is to express admiration or acknowledge cleverness. While the term "neat" can sometimes suggest informality, its application in diverse contexts, including news, media, and scientific publications, lends it a neutral register. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "interesting question" or "thought-provoking question" offer similar sentiments with potentially greater formality depending on the situation. Remember that while "neat question" is valid, overusing "neat" in highly formal scenarios might be perceived as slightly informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interesting question

Focuses on the intriguing nature of the question.

thought-provoking question

Highlights the question's ability to stimulate deep thinking.

clever question

Emphasizes the intelligence and ingenuity behind the question.

insightful question

Indicates the question reveals a deeper understanding.

well-formulated question

Stresses the clarity and precision of the question.

intriguing question

Highlights the captivating nature of the question.

sharp question

Suggests the question is astute and perceptive.

pertinent question

Emphasizes the relevance and importance of the question.

smart question

Highlights the intelligence behind the question.

excellent question

Emphasizes the high quality of the question.

FAQs

What does "neat question" mean?

The phrase "neat question" typically expresses admiration for a question that is well-articulated, insightful, or cleverly conceived. It implies that the question is interesting and thought-provoking.

What can I say instead of "neat question"?

You can use alternatives like "interesting question", "thought-provoking question", or "clever question" depending on the context.

Is "neat question" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "neat question" might sound slightly informal in very formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "insightful question" or "well-formulated question".

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

You can use "neat question" to acknowledge a question that someone has asked, for example: "That's a "neat question"! It really makes me think about the implications of our choices."