our question

USAGE SUMMARY

"our question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or idea that you and another person are both invested in, such as, "We have been discussing the possibility of a new policy. Our question is, what would be the best way to implement it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is not our question.

The New York Times

Others abide our question; they are free.

The New Yorker

How would you answer our question?

The New York Times

That's our question for this week.

The New York Times

But back to our question.

The New Yorker

Our question: Your least cool moment?

The New York Times

Life is our question and our answer.

The Guardian - Books

Our question was open to interpretation.

The Guardian - Sport

A: eBay hasn't yet answered our question on this.

The Guardian - Tech

But our question was: Who is our community?

The New Yorker

Our question is whether the business will survive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our question" when referring to a query that is shared or jointly owned by a group, team, or community. It emphasizes shared understanding and collaborative inquiry.

Common error

In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "the central inquiry" or "the research question" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding overly conversational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our question" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific inquiry or problem that is collectively owned or of shared interest. It sets the stage for further discussion or investigation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "our question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to introduce a query of shared interest. It's versatile across different writing registers, though slightly more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly academic or business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its collaborative implication and avoid overuse in extremely formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the query we're examining

Directly replaces "question" with the synonym "query", maintaining a formal tone.

the question we're addressing

Rephrases the inquiry emphasizing the act of addressing or tackling the matter.

the problem we're exploring

Shifts the focus to framing the inquiry as a problem needing further exploration.

the issue we're investigating

Frames the inquiry as an issue that requires thorough investigation and analysis.

the matter we're considering

Emphasizes the thoughtful deliberation and assessment of the topic at hand.

the challenge we're facing

Reinterprets the question as a challenge, suggesting difficulty or complexity.

the point we're debating

Highlights the contentious nature, framing the inquiry as a point of active debate.

the subject we're discussing

Rephrases the inquiry to highlight an ongoing dialogue around a particular topic.

the puzzle we're unraveling

Uses a metaphor to reframe the question as a complex puzzle that requires solving.

what we're trying to figure out

Uses a more informal tone, emphasizing the active process of discovery and comprehension.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "our question" for a more formal tone?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the central inquiry", "the research question", or "the primary focus" to maintain a professional tone. These options are less conversational than "our question".

What's the difference between "our question" and "my question"?

"Our question" indicates a shared inquiry, involving multiple parties. In contrast, "my question" refers to a query that is specific to the speaker or writer. Depending on the context you might consider using alternatives like "the question I am asking".

Is "our question" appropriate for academic writing?

While acceptable, "our question" might be perceived as informal in some academic contexts. Opt for alternatives such as "the hypothesis", "the research question", or "the aim of this study" to ensure academic rigor.

Can I use "our question" in presentations?

Yes, "our question" is suitable for presentations, especially when addressing a shared concern or objective with the audience. It fosters a sense of collaboration. However, evaluate "the main point" you are making, or "the core idea".