question

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask a rhetorical question or to make a direct inquiry. For example, "What is the question that nobody can answer?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

[He was answering a question, says one of the questioners].

The Guardian - Sport

Got a question?

The Guardian - Books

The question is why.

The New York Times

That's a hard question.

The New York Times

"I don't know the answer to that question.

The Guardian - Sport

It is time to settle this European question in British politics".

The New York Times

I don't think I'm qualified to answer a question like that.

The New York Times

Silly question.

The New York Times

One question remains unanswered.

The Guardian

Now there's a question.

The Guardian - Sport

The triple injection had become problematic because Georgia was running out of the drugs in question.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question" when seeking information or raising a point for discussion. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, whether it's a simple inquiry or a complex issue.

Common error

While "question" is versatile, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "issue", "query", or "inquiry" where appropriate to add nuance and sophistication to your text.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the word "question" is as a noun, referring to a sentence or phrase that seeks information. It can also function as a verb, meaning to interrogate or raise doubts about something. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "question" is a versatile term that functions primarily as a noun, signifying an inquiry or topic for discussion. It also serves as a verb, meaning to interrogate or express doubt. With a neutral register, "question" is widely used across various domains, including News & Media, Formal & Business contexts, and Science. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of "question". While highly versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "query" or "issue" can add nuance to your writing. Use the word "question" when seeking information or initiating discussions, but avoid overuse by considering related terms to maintain a clear and concise tone. From Ludwig's analysis, it’s evident that understanding its proper application ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

query

A more formal synonym for "question", often used in professional or academic contexts.

inquiry

Similar to "question" but often implies a more thorough or official investigation.

enquiry

A British English synonym for "inquiry", suggesting a request for information.

interrogation

Implies a formal and often intense questioning, typically by authorities.

issue

Refers to a point or matter of discussion or concern.

problem

Indicates a difficulty or uncertainty that needs to be resolved.

topic

A subject for discussion or analysis.

point

A specific matter or detail under discussion or consideration.

consideration

Something taken into account when making a decision.

motion

A formal proposal or subject for debate in a meeting.

FAQs

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

You can use "question" to ask for information, such as "What is your "question"?", or to refer to a topic for discussion, like "The main "question" is whether we can afford it".

What can I say instead of "question"?

You can use alternatives like "query", "inquiry", or "issue" depending on the context.

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

Both "question" and "query" are correct, but "query" is generally more formal and often used in professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "question" and "issue"?

A "question" is a request for information or a point for discussion, while an "issue" is a matter of concern or debate. An "issue" often implies a problem that needs to be resolved.