prompting a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prompting a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that leads to or encourages someone to ask a question. Example: "The unexpected turn of events was intriguing, prompting a question about what might happen next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Pornography was rampant, prompting a question Mr. Shata had never heard in Egypt: Is oral sex lawful?

The New York Times

Capes with fur-trimmed funnel sleeves also featured zippers in the back, prompting a question about what was meant to go in the pouches.

The New York Times

"It's been overwhelming," he said, prompting a question about whether a prolonged period of well-wishing might have the unintended consequence of distracting him from concentrating on his job.

The New York Times - Sports

Don Mattingly has thrown himself under so many buses for these guys, he has been left badly bruised, nearly broken and prompting a question.

Los Angeles Times

HOLY SLIT! De la Huerta's clingy dress was sliced to there in the rear, leaving the actress about 2 centimeters from yet another indecent exposure -- and prompting a question we're more used to hearing when Baselites encounter artist-designed furniture: How does she sit down in that?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Which prompts a question.

The Economist

This prompts a question.

The Guardian

Prompts a question, doesn't it?

Independent

Yet it also prompts a question.

The Economist

But it prompts a question.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But that prompts a question.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "raising a question" or "leading to a question" for variety and to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures the cause of the question. Instead of "A question was prompting", use active constructions like "The situation prompted a question" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prompting a question" functions as a verb phrase introducing a noun phrase, indicating that something is causing a question to arise. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prompting a question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI supports this, confirming its appropriate use. While "raising a question" is a common alternative, "prompting a question" effectively highlights the cause-and-effect relationship leading to the inquiry. When using the phrase, it's best practice to employ active voice for clarity and to consider synonyms for variety. By understanding these nuances, writers can use "prompting a question" effectively to introduce inquiries that naturally arise from the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raising a question

This alternative is more direct and common, emphasizing the act of bringing up a question.

leading to a question

This alternative highlights the sequential aspect, where something precedes and results in a question.

giving rise to a question

This phrase is slightly more formal, suggesting a question emerges as a consequence.

eliciting a question

This alternative emphasizes the act of drawing out or provoking a question from someone.

sparking a question

This phrase suggests a sudden and energetic instigation of a question.

generating a question

This alternative focuses on the creation or production of a question.

inducing a question

This suggests a more subtle or indirect way of causing a question to arise.

provoking a question

This implies a deliberate or challenging act of stimulating a question.

instigating a question

This highlights the initiating or starting point of a question's emergence.

setting off a question

This phrase suggests a chain reaction leading to the question.

FAQs

What does "prompting a question" mean?

The phrase "prompting a question" means causing or encouraging a question to be asked. It indicates that something has occurred that naturally leads someone to inquire or seek more information.

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

You can use "prompting a question" to introduce a query that arises from a situation or statement. For example, "The company's sudden announcement is "prompting a question" about its financial stability."

What are some alternatives to "prompting a question"?

Some alternatives include "raising a question", "leading to a question", or "giving rise to a question". Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "prompting a question" or "raising a question"?

Both "prompting a question" and "raising a question" are correct and usable. "Raising a question" might be slightly more common, but "prompting a question" can be effective when you want to emphasize the cause-and-effect relationship between an event and the inquiry it generates.