question something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express doubt or seek clarification about a particular issue or idea. For example, "I need to question the validity of this research." Alternative expressions include "doubt something," "challenge something," and "inquire about something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Without question, something has to be done.

The Economist

"In the past few days my integrity has been called into question, something I can't accept.

Independent

There is no question something happened between Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemings.

The New York Times

It's fantastic to have somebody you believe in wholeheartedly, who, when they question something, doesn't make you doubt their motives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reporters giggled admiringly when he calmly walked out of a press conference because someone had asked the same question – something about dedicated penalty takers – too many times.

The Guardian - Sport

If every epoch has to have a defining question, something that characterises the feeling of the time, then ours is: Cui bono?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"I questioned something, and where I come from, you never question authority," he says.

The New York Times

That is why she is fielding questions, something she hates to do.

The New York Times

Raising important questions, something you have done so bravely and so honestly, is an integral part of this process.

The Guardian - Books

One way for politicians to mobilize informational resources is to ask questions – something that many may think should be an obvious approach, but one not used in all municipalities.

European Transport Research Review

Siri will now be able to handle follow-up questions, something that Google Assistant has long had, and will now allow Siri to answer more complex tiered questions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question something" when you want to express a need to examine or challenge an idea, statement, or practice. It suggests a thoughtful and critical approach.

Common error

In formal academic or professional writing, avoid overusing the phrase "question something". Instead, consider using more precise verbs like "analyze", "evaluate", or "critique" to convey a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question something" functions as a verb phrase where "question" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ("something"). Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts where an idea or statement is being examined critically. It expresses the act of inquiring or challenging an assumption.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question something" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express doubt or the need for further examination of a topic. Ludwig AI indicates its usage is generally correct, though relatively rare. It is versatile enough for general use, but more precise synonyms might be preferable in formal academic or professional writing. Its primary contexts include news, science, and general discourse, indicating a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise questions about something

Highlights the act of bringing up uncertainties or problems.

doubt something

Focuses on disbelief or uncertainty rather than active questioning.

challenge something

Implies a more confrontational or argumentative stance.

inquire about something

Suggests a neutral request for information rather than doubt.

dispute something

Highlights disagreement or contestation of a point.

take issue with something

Indicates a specific point of contention.

express skepticism about something

Emphasizes doubt based on available evidence or reasoning.

cast doubt on something

Focuses on creating uncertainty in others.

investigate something

Suggests a formal or systematic inquiry.

probe something

Implies a deep and thorough examination to uncover information.

FAQs

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

You can use "question something" when you want to express doubt or seek clarification about a particular issue or idea. For example, "Experts "question something" that has been believed over decades".

What are some alternatives to "question something"?

You can use alternatives like "doubt something", "challenge something", or "inquire about something" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "question something"?

It is appropriate to use "question something" when you want to express a need to examine an idea more closely, especially when you suspect it may be flawed or incomplete. It implies a critical evaluation.

Is "question something" formal or informal?

The phrase "question something" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal academic or professional writing, consider using more precise verbs like "analyze" or "evaluate".