obligatory question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obligatory question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is required or expected in a particular context, often in formal or structured settings. Example: "Before we proceed with the discussion, I have one obligatory question regarding your previous experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This prompts an obligatory question: Which guests has he coveted and failed to corral?

The New Yorker

Asked the obligatory question about a Smiths reunion, he offered up this new, patriotic suggestion.

The Guardian - Music

But no matter who wins the Masters each year, he is asked the obligatory question: What about the elusive grand slam?

The New York Times - Sports

Given Melnyk and Caine's filmography, it prompts an obligatory question: who was easier to deal with as a subject, Black or Moore?

The Guardian - Film

They used to be the de rigueur answer to the obligatory question, "What can I bring?" I have been instructed that a wedding present must equal the amount the couple spends on me, or don't bother showing my face.

The New York Times

No interview with Shuttleworth could be complete without the obligatory question: Would you like to return to outer space?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mr. Anderson fielded a few obligatory questions about Scientology and Tom Cruise, whom he directed in "Magnolia".

The New York Times

Who wouldn't prefer that to the obligatory questions and numbingly innocuous answers NBC has generally settled for?

The New York Times - Arts

They've been starting up again in the past few days: those obligatory questions put to England footballers, which elicit the obligatory: "Yes.

Independent

Today, even at a joint meeting with Clinton and Yeltsin, reporters ask a few obligatory questions about foreign policy and quickly move to the domestic crisis of the moment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Daniel and Jason Freeman, who delivered a lecture-cum-presentation and then took the obligatory questions, are brothers: the former, a consultant clinical psychologist; the latter, a writer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obligatory question" when you want to emphasize that a question is expected or required in a specific context, often due to convention or protocol.

Common error

Avoid using "obligatory question" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "expected question" or "routine question" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obligatory question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obligatory" modifies the noun "question". It identifies a question that is required or expected in a specific situation or context. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obligatory question" refers to a question that is expected or required in a given situation, often due to convention or protocol. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it is found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "obligatory question", ensure that the context warrants its formality; in more casual settings, alternatives such as "required question" or "expected question" might be more appropriate. Remember that overuse can make your language sound stilted, so consider the setting and your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Required question

Replaces "obligatory" with "required", emphasizing necessity.

Mandatory question

Substitutes "obligatory" with "mandatory", highlighting the enforced nature of the question.

Compulsory question

Uses "compulsory" instead of "obligatory", focusing on the forced aspect.

Expected question

Changes "obligatory" to "expected", suggesting anticipation rather than requirement.

Routine question

Replaces "obligatory" with "routine", implying a standard or typical question.

Standard question

Uses "standard" in place of "obligatory", indicating a common or usual question.

De rigueur question

Employs the French phrase "de rigueur", meaning required or expected in a particular social situation.

Pro forma question

Uses "pro forma", suggesting a question asked merely to satisfy a requirement.

Perfunctory question

Replaces "obligatory" with "perfunctory", implying a question asked without genuine interest.

Customary question

Substitutes "obligatory" with "customary", focusing on the question being a matter of habit or tradition.

FAQs

What does "obligatory question" mean?

An "obligatory question" is a question that is expected or required in a particular context, often due to convention, protocol, or necessity. It's a question that's typically asked as a matter of course.

What can I say instead of "obligatory question"?

You can use alternatives like "required question", "mandatory question", or "expected question" depending on the context.

Is "obligatory question" formal or informal?

"Obligatory question" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, you might prefer phrases like "expected question" or "standard question".

How to use "obligatory question" in a sentence?

You can use "obligatory question" like this: "After the presentation, the speaker answered the "obligatory question" about future plans."