preliminary question

USAGE SUMMARY

"preliminary question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question asked in order to better understand a situation before going into further, more specific detail. For example: "What time did the incident occur? That's the preliminary question I need answered before I can start looking into what happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Isn't it often a preliminary question to ask, who is your auditor?" said Mr. Dodd.

The New York Times

But after logging in with the new ID and password, and answering a preliminary question, users got an error message.

The New York Times

A preliminary question to ask is why the St . Louisauthorities scheduled such an incendiary announcement for after dark, even though the news that the grand jury had reached a decision had become public hours earlier.

The New Yorker

As a lawyer arguing his own case, he will have an even greater stake than usual, because a preliminary question to be decided is whether as the noncustodial parent he had standing to file the case asserting his daughter's right not to hear "under God" in the daily recitation of the pledge.

The New York Times

In accepting Hollingsworth v. Perry, the case on the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8, prohibiting same-sex marriage, the justices instructed the parties to brief and argue the preliminary question "whether petitioners have standing under Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution in this case".

The New York Times

Attanasio and Augsburg (2012) make use of the standard preliminary question about the likelihood of rain.

SERIEs

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

After being sworn in, he faced a volley of preliminary questions from Berezovsky's QC, Laurence Rabinowitz.

The Guardian

Even experienced researchers find it necessary to pretest their questionnaires, usually by interviewing a small group of respondents with preliminary questions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the jury foreman responded to preliminary questions from a 22-page verdict sheet, Mr. Wilson, 31, slumped forward with his chin in his hands as the tension rose in the courtroom in Federal District Court in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

A couple of preliminary questions suggest themselves.

SEP

Next, (b) the collection may be provided with an introduction dealing with preliminary questions.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In surveys or questionnaires, consider using a "preliminary question" to filter respondents or determine relevance before presenting more complex items.

Common error

Avoid using "preliminary question" when you actually mean a leading question—one that prompts or guides the respondent toward a particular answer. A "preliminary question" is neutral and seeks to gather basic information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an initial question or inquiry. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use in various contexts, indicating its role in setting the stage for more detailed discussions or investigations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary question" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an initial inquiry that sets the stage for further discussion or investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Related phrases such as "initial question" or "introductory question" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's important not to confuse it with a leading question, which aims to guide the respondent towards a specific answer. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "preliminary question" to establish context and gather basic information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial question

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being the first question asked.

introductory question

Emphasizes the role of the question in introducing a topic or discussion.

opening question

Highlights the question's position at the start of a conversation or investigation.

beginning question

Similar to "opening question", but with a slightly broader implication.

tentative question

Suggests a question posed with some uncertainty or as a starting point.

preparatory question

Implies the question is setting the stage for something more substantial.

exploratory question

Highlights the fact that the question serves to explore a subject.

prior question

Emphasizes the importance of addressing the question before moving on.

primary question

Highlights that the question is of main or chief importance.

trial question

Suggests a question posed as a test or experiment.

FAQs

How to use "preliminary question" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary question" to introduce an initial inquiry before delving into more complex details. For example, "The "preliminary question" we need to address is whether the data is reliable."

What can I say instead of "preliminary question"?

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

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

A "preliminary question" is a neutral initial inquiry to gather basic information, while a "leading question" is designed to guide the respondent toward a particular answer.

Is it always necessary to ask a "preliminary question"?

No, a "preliminary question" is useful when you need to establish a foundation or filter responses before proceeding with more specific inquiries, but it's not always essential.