query

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "query" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of asking or questioning. For example, "I had a query about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of Kennedy's fans as a youngster has posted the kind letter the then MP wrote in response to a query about his favourite Muppets character.

The Guardian

Responding to a query about diversity quotas at Sky, Millichip quipped: "You're hard-pressed to find a straight white bloke at Sky Vision".

The Guardian

"How do you actually milk a horse?" came the quite reasonable query.

The Guardian - Sport

If your query concerns a subscription please contact [email protected] or call 0330 333 6767.

The Guardian

Those who cannot bring themselves to support a favourite will find reasons to query his stamina but Epsom is drying out and this course is not always a severe test of stamina in the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Now there was one more query, one farewell dig, about his team's "aura" – or lack of it, as Strauss had observed earlier – and it brought out the mongrel in him.

The Guardian - Sport

Obviously some companies have the online reputation they deserve, but an unjustified, malicious or obsolete complaint may linger for years, blighting every new query.

The Guardian - Tech

Blair's office did not respond to a query about how the west could promote democracy without criticising lapses in democratic values.

The Guardian

Here are some key things we learned: The reality is this: if an NSA, FBI, CIA, DIA [Defence Intelligence Agency], etc analyst has access to query raw SIGINT [signals intelligence] databases, they can enter and get results for anything they want.

The Guardian

The SNP's general election campaign coordinator, Angus Robertson, has written to Ofcom to query its undemocratic and illogical decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he had brought his concerns to at least four superiors and 15 colleagues at the NSA and used a heatmap from the data query tool BOUNDLESSINFORMANT to show how much data the agency was collecting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "query" in technical contexts (like databases), ensure it's clear you're referring to a request for information, not just a general question. Provide context if needed.

Common error

Avoid confusing "query" (a question or inquiry) with "quarry" (a place where stone is extracted). Double-check your spelling, especially in draft form.

Linguistic Context

The word "query" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a question or inquiry. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts from formal inquiries to technical database requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "query" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, functioning mainly as a noun to represent a question or inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples across different fields. Its usage spans from general questions to technical requests, and while it can be used in informal settings, it is more frequently found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. When using "query", ensure clarity and context, particularly in technical environments, and avoid confusing it with the similarly spelled "quarry".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Question

Single word alternative, directly synonymous with "query" when used as a noun.

Inquiry

A more formal synonym for "query", often used in official contexts.

Enquiry

British English spelling of "inquiry", interchangeable in British contexts.

Interrogation

Implies a more thorough and formal questioning process.

Investigation

Suggests a more in-depth and structured examination.

Point of inquiry

Specifies that the "query" is about to be clarified.

Concern

Expresses a worry or interest that prompts questioning.

Problem

Describes an issue that needs to be questioned or resolved.

Matter in question

Refers to the topic being investigated or questioned.

Challenge

Highlights a difficult question or obstacle.

FAQs

How to use "query" in a sentence?

You can use "query" as a noun to refer to a question or inquiry, as in "I have a "query" regarding the report". It can also be used as a verb, meaning to ask or inquire, as in "I want to "query" the assumptions in this analysis.".

What can I say instead of "query"?

You can use alternatives like "question", "inquiry", or "interrogation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "query" or "enquiry"?

"Query" and "enquiry" are both correct, but "enquiry" is more commonly used in British English while ""query"" is used worldwide. They are synonyms.

What's the difference between "query" and "request"?

While both involve seeking something, a ""query"" typically seeks information or clarification. A "request" is a more general term for asking for something, which could be information, action, or an object. A ""query"" is often part of gathering the necessary information to make a request.