provokes the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provokes the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when a statement or situation raises a question that needs to be addressed or considered. Example: "The recent changes in policy provoke the question of whether they will truly benefit the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The same concern that provokes the question also makes it hard to answer.

The Economist

But given its unpromising location, the Clarences will probably always be heavily dependent on public subsidies.This catalogue of woe provokes the question why the inhabitants of the Clarences stay there, as in large part they do.

The Economist

But the increase in the number of people finding faith communities via social media platforms provokes the question of what constitutes religious experience and whether "friending" a church online is at all similar to worshiping at one.

The New York Times - Tech

This paper provokes the question of whether open-source virtual environments can indeed provide the appropriate venue to do so, leveraging application programming interfaces and a modular approach to packaging the overall framework that encourages the progressive integration of data, tools and models from the community.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Furthermore, the development of Regulations, Directives and Decisions of the European Union in areas of private law provokes the question whether a supranational legal code enacted by the EU should replace the BGB and the other national codes, thereby establishing a uniform private law in the 15 Member States of the Union (III).

Columbia University

All of which provokes the question what, actually, is the British government for?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

This provokes the questions, where the nuclear localization signal (NLS) in axoN1 and the nuclear export sequence (NES) in the deleted 78aa fragment are localized.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

It might even provoke the question: Is GW fit to be president?

The Guardian

The large and rapid increase of exchangeable-NH4+ at the onset of the incubations provoked the question whether part of it derived from release of fixed-NH4+.

Geoderma

Rather, they provoke the question "What else is new?" Or just plain "What?" Samples: Advertising is all about lying.

The New York Times

This sobering news provoked the question, "Then why do you embalm if it doesn't last for ever?" to which the answer was simple.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context when using "provokes the question". In highly formal settings, alternative phrases like "raises the question" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "provokes the question" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives such as "raises the question" or "leads to the question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provokes the question" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a question that arises as a natural consequence of a preceding statement or situation. As per Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provokes the question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that introduces a query stemming from a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase, though varying your language can enhance your writing. "Provokes the question" is commonly used in science, news media, and academic contexts, signaling a transition from observation to inquiry. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "raises the question" or "prompts the question". Ultimately, its effectiveness lies in the clarity and logical connection between the statement and the question it introduces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raises the question

Replaces "provokes" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same structure.

prompts the question

Uses "prompts" to indicate the question is suggested or caused by something.

gives rise to the question

Emphasizes that the question originates or emerges from a situation.

begs the question

Implies the question is an obvious or unavoidable one.

leads to the question

Highlights the sequential nature of the thought process, where the situation guides one to the question.

invites the question

Suggests the situation makes the question appropriate or natural to ask.

poses the question

Formally introduces the question as something to be considered.

calls into question

Indicates that something is doubted and a question is subsequently raised.

triggers the question

Emphasizes a direct causal relationship between the preceding information and the resulting question.

incites the question

Highlights the stimulating nature of the subject in bringing about a question.

FAQs

What does "provokes the question" mean?

The phrase "provokes the question" indicates that a statement, situation, or observation naturally leads to or elicits a specific question. It suggests a cause-and-effect relationship where the initial information makes the question relevant or necessary.

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

You can use "provokes the question" to introduce a query that logically follows from the preceding context. For example: "The increase in remote work adoption provokes the question of its long-term impact on urban centers."

What are some alternatives to "provokes the question"?

Alternatives include "raises the question", "prompts the question", "gives rise to the question", and "begs the question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "provokes the question" formal or informal?

The phrase "provokes the question" is suitable for both neutral and formal writing. While not overly casual, it's versatile enough for various contexts. If in doubt, "raises the question" may be a slightly more formal alternative.