operational question

USAGE SUMMARY

"operational question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a question asked in order to test the effectiveness of a process or system. For example, "What is the operational question we must ask in order to assess the feasibility of this new project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I'm asking whether or not you have asked the operational question," Mr. Miller said, adding, "Have you sat down with the Treasury Department" and asked whether money could be made quickly available for the loans of last resort?

The New York Times

The key, operational question that has followed has involved the extent to which the U.S. Executive Branch of government should share its plans, and the reasons for them, with relevant committees in the Congress.

Harvard University

This is basically an operational question; as Mark says, the goal is to change minds — although the big question there is whether you're trying to change the minds of the policy makers themselves, or the minds of other people, so we can get a new and better set of policy makers.

The New York Times

There remained, however, a large operational question: Should he simply "reject" the new version or work to repair it?

Forbes

The lawsuit comes at a turning point for SFX and Sillerman, and it adds to string of financial and operational question marks about the EDM powerhouse after a disappointing run on public stock markets.

Forbes

As a scientist, the fascination normally associated with the classically phrased question "why is there something rather than nothing?", is really contained in a specific operational question.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Meanwhile, other operational questions remain murky.

Harvard Business Review

Furthermore, its invention raises a legion of operational questions.

The Guardian

This manager also reported difficulty in getting quick answers from his boss about operational questions.

Harvard Business Review

"He has always said he would leave operational questions to the police to answer.

The New York Times

They are relying on a cookbook and a mission-support group, which is available for twelve hours a day to hunt down online recipes and answer operational questions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "operational question", ensure it clearly relates to the practical aspects of a process or project. Avoid using it when discussing theoretical or strategic matters, as this can create confusion.

Common error

A common mistake is using "operational question" when a more strategic or theoretical query is intended. Differentiate between the 'how' (operational) and the 'why' (strategic) to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operational question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "operational" modifies the noun "question". The phrase is typically used to identify a specific inquiry concerning the practical aspects or functionality of a process or system, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operational question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that refers to an inquiry focused on the practical or functional aspects of a process or system. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating its relevance across various domains. While it's a valid and useful term, it's essential to distinguish it from strategic or theoretical questions to avoid ambiguity. Remember to use "operational question" when the focus is on 'how' something works in practice rather than 'why' it exists or what its long-term goals are.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical question

Focuses on the real-world applicability of the question, shifting from the theoretical to the hands-on.

functional question

Emphasizes the question's relevance to the task or system's intended function.

logistical question

Highlights the aspects of planning, execution, and resource management within operations.

implementation question

Shifts the focus specifically to concerns about putting a plan or system into effect.

managerial question

Frames the question from the perspective of management and decision-making.

tactical question

Refers to a question about immediate actions and strategies within a larger operation.

strategic question

Deals with high-level planning and long-term goals in relation to operations.

technical question

Centers around the engineering and specific problem-solving aspects of operations.

methodological question

Focuses the question on the procedures and techniques used in the operations.

business question

Frames question in the context of general operations, finances and marketing of a business

FAQs

What does "operational question" mean?

An "operational question" refers to an inquiry focused on the practical implementation, execution, or functioning of a process, system, or plan. It usually seeks to clarify how something works in practice.

How do I use "operational question" in a sentence?

You can use "operational question" to describe a question that addresses the specific steps or procedures involved in achieving a particular outcome. For example, "The key "functional question" is how to allocate resources effectively to maximize efficiency."

What's the difference between an "operational question" and a strategic question?

An "operational question" focuses on the 'how' of doing something, while a strategic question focuses on the 'why' or 'what.' Operational questions are concerned with practical implementation, whereas strategic questions address long-term goals and direction.

What are some alternatives to "operational question"?

Some alternatives to "operational question" include "practical question", "implementation question", or "functional question", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.