preparatory question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preparatory question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is intended to set the stage for further discussion or inquiry. Example: "Before we dive into the main topic, I have a preparatory question to help clarify our objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

How about a preparatory "question challenge" to the verified citizens of the districts of the committee members?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The elements added guided-reading questions, prepadded guided-readingd in-class activities—are detailed below, and Table 2 gives some specific examples across one topic.

CBE Life Sciences Education

As course content previously covered by lecture was moved into the guided-reading questions and preparatory homework, on average 34.5% of each class session was now devoted to activities that reinforced major concepts, study skills, and higher-order thinking skills.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The present pilot study was conducted to provide preliminary answers to these questions and is preparatory for future inquiries into the equity of service delivery and consequences for health outcomes of a triage approach to PYHC.

BMC Health Services Research

The questions measuring awareness and preparatory behaviours for emergency were intentionally broad, covering four broad types of events, which may have contributed towards unclear or vague responses from some participants.

BMJ Open

The questions measuring awareness and preparatory behaviours for emergency were intentionally made broad, covering four types of events (natural disaster, public health emergency, human-made accidence, and social security event).

BMJ Open

Provide each group with a list of the following questions to help guide their preparatory work.

The New York Times

Provide each small group with a list of the following questions to help guide their preparatory work (copied into a handout for easier student access).

The New York Times

SY conceived the research questions, designed the study, conducted preparatory field works, collected data, analyzed data, and drafted the manuscript for publication.

BMC Public Health

Additionally, this particular Foundation school has a structured week-long induction period (the PfPP programme) prior to the commencement of the first Foundation year, which is designed to provide the opportunity to have early questions answered and offer key preparatory experiences to support the F1s in their transition from medical student to junior doctor.

BMC Medical Education

Judging from a video that circulated on Twitter, Malignaggi's pre-broadcast preparatory work consisted largely of a single repeated question: "Did you bring your balls, Conor?" Stephen Espinoza, who runs Showtime Sports, explained that, despite this confrontation, Malignaggi was still assigned to be a commentator on Saturday night.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preparatory question" to introduce a topic or gauge audience understanding before delving into more complex details. This helps set the stage for further discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "preparative question". "Preparatory" is the correct adjective form to describe something that prepares for or precedes something else. "Preparative" is less common and can sound awkward in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preparatory question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'preparatory' modifies the noun 'question'. It describes a question intended to prepare someone for a discussion or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preparatory question" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as noted by Ludwig AI, although it is relatively rare. It functions as a noun phrase describing a question intended to prepare an audience for a subsequent activity or discussion. Usage is most common in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure you use "preparatory" (not "preparative") and consider alternatives like "preliminary question" or "introductory question" depending on the desired nuance. The key is to use this phrase to effectively set the stage and prime your audience before moving into more complex subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preparatory inquiry

Uses the more formal term "inquiry" instead of "question" while retaining the same preparatory meaning.

Preliminary question

Emphasizes the question's role as an initial step before further inquiry.

Introductory question

Highlights the question's function to introduce a topic.

Background question

Suggests the question is aimed at establishing context.

Lead-in question

Focuses on the question's role in transitioning to the main subject.

Warm-up question

Indicates the question serves to engage participants before more complex discussions.

Precursory question

Highlights that the question precedes something more important.

Initial inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal term, "inquiry", emphasizing the start of an investigation.

Qualifying question

Highlights that the question serves to qualify or narrow down the topic for further discussion.

Setting-the-stage question

This alternative is more descriptive, explicitly stating the question's function in setting the stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "preparatory question" to introduce a topic before going into detail. For example, "Before we discuss the budget, let's address a "preparatory question": What are our key financial goals for the next quarter?"

What are some alternatives to "preparatory question"?

Alternatives include "preliminary question", "introductory question", or "background question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does "preparatory" mean in the context of a "preparatory question"?

In the context of a "preparatory question", "preparatory" means serving to prepare for something. The question is designed to get the audience ready for the subsequent discussion or activity.

Is it better to use "preparatory question" or "preparative question"?

"Preparatory question" is the preferred and more commonly used phrase. "Preparative" is a less common adjective and may sound awkward in this context. Therefore, stick with ""preparatory question"".