prompt the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prompt the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or statement that raises a question or invites inquiry. Example: "The recent findings in the study prompt the question of whether we need to reevaluate our current theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Which does prompt the question: why is the BBC so inept?

The Guardian

The bureau's sometimes curious choices prompt the question: What is entertainment, anyway?

The New York Times

It does, however, prompt the question: Will the Ph.D. become the new master's?

The New York Times

Their many misjudgments prompt the question: How could they have been so wrong?

The New York Times

Although a range of factors may contribute to these findings, they do prompt the question of what it is about the learning experience that might be deemed "boring".

The Guardian

It might also prompt the question of retained bullet fragments when patients present elevated blood lead levels that can't otherwise be explained.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

These fringing reefs also prompt the questions: how big should patches be?

Duke University

That report prompted the question at the Thursday news conference.

The New York Times

But it prompts the question: what changed, Jim?

Independent

The phrase "responsible encryption" prompts the question, responsible to whom?

Stanford University

All of which prompts the question: why mess with success?

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prompt the question", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the question to arise. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the logical connection.

Common error

Avoid using "prompt the question" in excessively passive constructions where it's unclear who or what is doing the prompting. Instead, actively state the factor that is leading to the question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prompt the question" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating that something (an event, a statement, etc.) causes a question to be asked. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

34%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prompt the question" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something causes a question to arise. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While alternatives like "raise the question" exist, "prompt the question" effectively highlights the causal relationship between a situation and the resulting inquiry. By using "prompt the question" writers should ensure that the context makes that causal relationship transparent. The frequency analysis shows a strong presence in journalistic and scientific domains, reflecting its utility in analytical and investigative discourse. This phrase offers a clear and concise way to introduce questions that are logically connected to preceding information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the question

This alternative directly substitutes "prompt" with "raise", offering a very similar and equally common way to express the action of bringing a question to attention.

beg the question

While "beg the question" can sometimes imply assuming the conclusion, it also simply means to invite the question, making it contextually similar.

give rise to the question

This phrase is slightly more formal and emphasizes the emergence or origination of the question due to a preceding event or statement.

lead to the question

Similar to "give rise to the question", this suggests a sequential progression where certain information inevitably results in a particular question being asked.

invite the question

This option focuses on the action of requesting the question to be answered and can be slightly more suggestive compared to QUERY.

call for the question

This implies a need or demand for the question to be addressed or answered, adding a sense of urgency or importance.

stimulate the question

This suggests that something is encouraging or provoking the asking of a particular question.

trigger the question

This suggests that some action is the origin of a particular question being asked.

spark the question

This alternative describes the starting of the question being asked.

occasion the question

This option, less common and more formal, suggests that something creates the circumstance for a question to arise.

FAQs

How can I use "prompt the question" in a sentence?

Use "prompt the question" to show that something causes a question to be asked. For example, "The study's findings "prompt the question" of whether current policies are effective."

What's a more formal way to say "prompt the question"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is to say "give rise to the question". It conveys a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated tone suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "prompt the question" in casual conversation?

In more casual settings, you could say something like "raise the question" or "lead to the question", which are less formal but still clearly indicate that something is causing the inquiry.

Is "beg the question" the same as "prompt the question"?

While both phrases involve a question, "beg the question" often refers to a logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premise. "Prompt the question" simply means to cause a question to arise.