prudent question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prudent question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is wise, sensible, or judicious in a particular context. Example: "In light of the recent developments, that was indeed a prudent question to ask during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That is the prudent question to ask when travelling to a long-planned opening of a new public building.

The Economist

It's a prudent question.

TechCrunch

Unfortunately, as long as rogue OBGYNs continue to impose their values upon unsuspecting patients, it is a prudent question to ask.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is also prudent to question the developer on changes that can be made to the project once the sales contract is signed.

The New York Times

In clinical practice, it would seem prudent to question all MS migraineurs who are initiated on β-interferon therapy for any change in headache pattern and for flu-like symptoms since these side-effects may have a considerable detrimental impact on their quality of life and adherence to therapy.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

In general, that seems to be quite a bit of symbiosis and gene transfer in parallel, so it is prudent to question the premise that the green signal does in fact represent evidence for a biological event rather than being a manifestation of sampling, random, or other bias in the data.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Although fiscal policy has been prudent, the OECD questions some investment decisions, such as the creation of a retail bank operating through post offices.

The Economist

Therefore, it would be only prudent to address this question to recent and prospective authors of Carbon Balance and Management.

Carbon Balance and Management

Today, Barack Obama is leading John McCain by a larger margin than John Kerry led George W. Bush, so it is only prudent to pose the question: "Will the vote in the 2008 American presidential election restore credibility to our status as a 'democracy?'" However, the answer is already clear -- "No".

Huffington Post

Dr. Yermack's study found that family foundations sold shares donated by their creators very slowly, thus suffering more from price declines after a gift was made and raising questions about prudent investment management.

The New York Times

In general, when there are so many unanswered questions, the prudent approach seems to be to say nothing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prudent question" when you want to emphasize that the question being asked demonstrates foresight, good judgement, and careful consideration of potential consequences.

Common error

While "prudent question" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "good question" or "smart question" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prudent question" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "prudent" modifies the noun "question". It describes the type or quality of the question, indicating it is wise and well-considered, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prudent question" denotes a query characterized by wisdom, good judgment, and foresight. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Its function is to describe the quality of a question, highlighting that it is well-considered and reflects careful thought. Although its use is rare, "prudent question" often appears in news and media or scientific sources and is best suited for formal or professional contexts where thoughtful inquiry is valued. Alternatives such as "wise inquiry" or "judicious question" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wise inquiry

Emphasizes the wisdom and insightfulness behind the question.

sensible query

Focuses on the practicality and reasonableness of the question.

judicious question

Highlights the good judgment and careful consideration involved in asking the question.

careful inquiry

Stresses the thoroughness and attention to detail in the questioning process.

astute question

Highlights the keen awareness and intelligence demonstrated by the question.

discreet question

Focuses on the tact and sensitivity employed in phrasing the question.

circumspect question

Emphasizes the caution and wariness behind the question.

well-considered question

Highlights the amount of thought and deliberation that went into formulating the question.

thoughtful inquiry

Emphasizes the level of consideration and depth present in the question.

insightful question

Highlights the deep understanding and awareness the question shows.

FAQs

What does "prudent question" mean?

A "prudent question" is one that is wise, careful, and shows good judgement. It implies that the person asking the question has considered the potential consequences and is acting responsibly.

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

You can use "prudent question" to describe an inquiry that demonstrates foresight. For example, "Given the company's financial instability, asking about job security was a "prudent question"."

What are some alternatives to "prudent question"?

Alternatives to "prudent question" include "wise inquiry", "sensible query", or "judicious question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "prudent question" suitable for formal or informal contexts?

"Prudent question" is generally more appropriate for formal or professional contexts where careful consideration and good judgement are emphasized. In informal settings, a phrase like "good question" might be more suitable.