one small question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one small question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a question in a polite or informal manner, often implying that the question is not too complicated or burdensome. Example: "I have one small question about the project timeline that I hope you can clarify for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Just one small question, before we get on to why we would put all this effort into anything, when we are such horrible people who don't care about anyone: how come shops still exist?

The Guardian - Money

Don't get stuck with the answer to one small question that you miss the entire exam!

Huffington Post

Watching as parent/working person/partner in a long-term committed relationship, one small question kept popping into my head: how does this mega-billionaire earth mover/shaker have so damn much free time?

Huffington Post

She would never stake all her political capital on one small question.

The Guardian

But there is one small question, not so obvious, that has been crying out for an answer for years, and it has nothing to do with exoticisms like C.D.O.'s or C.D.S.'s.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I had to question whether one small group of gleaners on one farm could really make an impact, but the movement is taking off in the UK and Europe, and the longer-established networks in the US gather millions of pounds of food each year.

The Guardian

However, that question is just one small step to an equally reasonable but more expansive question: Why should adults have to be any kind of couple at all in order to benefit and be protected under the law?

Huffington Post

One small word, formed into a question, which no one person will ever be able to answer.

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, we believe that the authors have addressed only one small aspect of the key question concerning the clinical efficacy of SMBG for this patient population.

Diabetes Care

But that's only one small part of the underlying, animating question (or problem): is China fit to host the Summer Olympics?

The New York Times - Sports

"Substantive questions weren't answered," said an executive at one small firm who insisted on anonymity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one small question" to politely introduce an inquiry that you believe will not take up much time or effort to answer. This softens the request and sets a collaborative tone.

Common error

Avoid using "one small question" repeatedly in a short span, as it can sound repetitive or insincere. Vary your introductions to questions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one small question" functions as an introductory element used to preface a question, typically implying that the question is simple or not particularly important. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a polite and informal way to introduce an inquiry.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one small question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a minor inquiry in a polite and informal manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and suggests alternatives like "a quick question". While the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, its usage spans across various domains. When writing, be mindful to use it sincerely and avoid overuse. Although it's a valid question to pose, its frequency of usage remains relatively rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief query

Emphasizes the shortness and simplicity of the question.

a quick question

Focuses on the speed and ease with which the question can be answered.

a minor inquiry

Highlights the insignificance and lack of complexity of the question.

a simple question

Stresses the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the question.

a short question

Similar to 'a brief query', emphasizing the limited length and effort needed.

a little question

Uses 'little' to convey a sense of unimportance or small scale.

an easy question

Indicates that the question is not challenging or difficult to answer.

just a question

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the act of questioning itself.

a trivial question

Implies the question is insignificant and lacks importance.

a basic question

Highlights that the question deals with fundamental or elementary aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "one small question" in a sentence?

You can use "one small question" to introduce a minor or simple inquiry, such as, "I have "one small question" regarding the meeting agenda" or "Before we proceed, "one small question" about the budget allocation".

What phrases are similar to "one small question"?

Similar phrases include "a quick question", "a brief query", or "a minor inquiry". These alternatives also convey that the question is not expected to be complex or time-consuming.

Is it appropriate to use "one small question" in formal communication?

While "one small question" is generally acceptable, in very formal settings, you might prefer a more direct approach such as, "I have a question regarding..." or "I would like to inquire about...". The appropriateness depends on the overall tone of the communication.

Can I use "one small question" to introduce a series of questions?

It's best to reserve "one small question" for introducing a single, simple question. If you have multiple questions, it's clearer to state, "I have a few questions" or "I have some questions regarding...".