opening question

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening question" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use it in the context of an essay: "This essay begins by posing the opening question: How have gender roles in the workplace changed in the past decade?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opening question.

The Guardian

And the answer to that opening question?

The Economist

And there's the answer to my opening question.

The New York Times

So, to return to my opening question: Why?

The New Yorker

Opening question: "Andy Murray has challenged you to a showdown in Las Vegas.

The New York Times - Sports

Opening question - the situation in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.

The Guardian - Business

Updated at 5.14am BST 5.08am BST Question time Labor is opening Question Time on pensions.

The Guardian

Sometimes there can only be one opening question – and this is one of those times.

The Guardian - Sport

Gerard Oliver's opening question on immigration was hardly an easy place to start.

The Guardian - Opinion

His opening question to me was a slight variation, substituting Parkchester for Riverdale.

The New York Times

However, the opening question at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, predictably on his comments on racism, brought a curt reply.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or articles, clearly state the "opening question" to provide context and focus for the discussion that follows.

Common error

Avoid replacing "opening question" with overly technical or obscure terms unless the context specifically requires it. Clarity is key, especially when addressing a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening question" primarily functions as a noun phrase, designating the initial query in a discussion, interview, or debate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening question" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that serves to initiate discussions, interviews, or debates. Its purpose is to define the scope of the conversation and engage participants. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, the phrase maintains a generally neutral register, though formality can shift based on the surrounding text. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "introductory question" or "initial inquiry" to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overly technical jargon to maintain clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first question

A straightforward substitution, maintaining the original meaning.

the first query

Using "query" instead of question maintains the core meaning.

initial question

Similar to "first question" and "introductory question", focusing on the starting point of the inquiry.

starting question

Another synonym for the initial query or inquiry.

introductory question

Similar meaning, replacing "opening" with the synonym "introductory".

opening query

Replacing "question" with "query" offers a slight variation in formality.

initial inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal term, "inquiry", and "opening" with "initial", suggesting the first question asked.

primary question

Emphasizes the importance of the question being asked at the beginning.

lead question

Implies a question designed to guide the discussion or interview.

initial point of inquiry

A more elaborate way of referring to the beginning of a questioning process.

FAQs

How to use "opening question" in a sentence?

You can use "opening question" to introduce the main topic of discussion, such as, "The "opening question" of the debate focused on climate change."

What can I say instead of "opening question"?

You can use alternatives like "introductory question", "initial inquiry", or "first question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "opening question" or "opening statement"?

Both "opening question" and "opening statement" are correct, but they serve different purposes. An "opening question" seeks to begin a discussion, while an "opening statement" presents a position or argument.

What's the difference between "opening question" and "leading question"?

An "opening question" is a neutral query to initiate a discussion, whereas a "leading question" is designed to elicit a specific response or confirm a preconceived idea.