posing a question

USAGE SUMMARY

"posing a question" is correct and usable in written English.
Here is an example: He asked the class, posing a question, "What is the definition of integrity?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

posing a question for which there seems no obvious answer.

The Guardian - Music

"It is posing a question about the politics of spectatorship," said Baker.

The Guardian - Arts

"A five-inch flat?" said Mr. Mironovich, posing a question he will answer himself.

The New York Times

His thunderous rhetorical habit of posing a question and then answering it?

The New York Times

"So what is your personal best?" the same athlete wonders, posing a question that sounds ridiculous in this context.

The New York Times - Sports

And right-wing nuts were "just posing a question" about whether Mr. Clinton was a serial killer.

The New York Times

The plan went awry, he said, when Mr. Rabin began the session by posing a question of his own.

The New York Times

Or should we mark the strike by posing a question: is leaving prisons in the hands of 'screws', well, nuts?

The Guardian - Opinion

The case study examined two groups of grade 7 students as they engaged in four inquiry phases: posing a question and collecting, analyzing, and representing data.

Contemporary Educational Psychology

There is also a group of letters related to an article Wright wrote in Scientific American posing a question about the mechanics of skipping stones on water.

Columbia University

Clinton smiled at Kinhan, then thanked him for being there and for posing a question she hadn't been asked about before.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, ensure the question being posed is clearly articulated and relevant to the surrounding discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "posing a question" in very casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "asking" are more appropriate for everyday discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "posing a question" functions as a verbal phrase that introduces an inquiry. As supported by Ludwig, it highlights the act of presenting a question, often within a formal or analytical context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "posing a question" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce an inquiry, often carrying a slightly more formal tone than simply "asking". As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news, media, and academic contexts, serving to initiate discussion and prompt reflection. While appropriate for formal settings, remember that in casual conversations, simpler alternatives may be more effective. Consider using related phrases like "raising a query" or "presenting an inquiry" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asking a question

Uses the more common verb "asking" instead of "posing".

raising a query

Replaces "question" with "query", offering a slightly more formal tone.

formulating a question

Emphasizes the process of constructing or developing the question.

introducing a question

Focuses on the act of bringing the question into consideration.

presenting an inquiry

Substitutes both "posing" and "question" with more formal alternatives.

putting forth a question

Offers a slightly more elaborate way of saying "asking a question".

postulating a question

Uses a more formal and theoretical term for presenting a question.

propounding a question

Implies putting forward a question for consideration or debate.

tabled a question

Specifically refers to formally introducing a question for discussion.

querying

A more concise and direct verb form.

FAQs

How can I use "posing a question" in a sentence?

You can use "posing a question" to introduce a query or to highlight the act of questioning, as in "The professor started the lecture by posing a question to the students".

What's the difference between "posing a question" and "asking a question"?

"Posing a question" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "asking a question". The best option often depends on the context and desired tone.

Is "posing a question" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "posing a question" is entirely appropriate for academic writing. It can be used to introduce research questions or to emphasize critical inquiries.

When should I avoid using "posing a question"?

While grammatically correct, avoid using "posing a question" in very informal settings. Simpler phrases might be more fitting for casual conversations.