quite a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite a question" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to emphasize that a question is significant or thought-provoking. Example: "That’s quite a question you’ve raised about the future of technology." Alternative expressions include "a significant question" and "an important question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was decided to let him sit the big exam, but it was quite a question we asked.

Independent

It isn't quite a question, however, of being a Christian in appearance but an unbeliever in reality.

The Guardian - Books

We've all heard it — the "excuse me?!" with an elongated, higher pitched "me" at the end of what is not quite a question.

The New York Times

As "Staying True" reports, he was on the phone to his wife as soon as the cameras were off, and he had quite a question for her: "How'd I do?" In the weird bubble inhabited by infantilized politicians — a place that is becoming more and more familiar as their partners' and co-conspirators' memoirs come down the pike — this was not even an unreasonable question.

The New York Times - Books

In response to a question about whether he would reduce the rate, Liu said, "That's quite a question," adding, "You asked a hot question".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Was Ariana Grande off-base or right on target she shut down Ryan Seacrest's not-quite-a-question about her relationship with Mac Miller?

Los Angeles Times

On a conference call Sunday night, after Revis had signed, Ryan didn't quite answer a question about how he felt about the trade.

The New York Times - Sports

Quite logically, a question about a possible link between the two variables arises.

European Transport Research Review

"But this is quite simply a question of life and death, a matter of national security.

BBC

She said it was "quite simply a question of life and death, a matter of national security" that the authorities got more surveillance powers and vowed to "keep on making the case until we get the changes we need".

BBC

Actually, it's quite a simple question.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite a question" when you want to subtly acknowledge the weight or complexity of the inquiry without being overly dramatic. It's suitable for professional and casual contexts where directness might be less appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a question" for simple or routine inquiries. Overusing the phrase can make your communication sound unnatural or even sarcastic. Reserve it for situations where the question truly warrants a thoughtful response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a question" functions as an acknowledgment and understatement, often used to recognize the weight or complexity of an inquiry without being overly blunt. As Ludwig AI points out, the expression is grammatically correct. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite a question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to acknowledge the significance or difficulty of an inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and appears in various sources, including news outlets and scientific publications. While the phrase is not extremely frequent, it is versatile and can be used in both professional and casual contexts. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "challenging question" or "significant question" may be suitable depending on the context. Be mindful of overusing the phrase, particularly in situations where a simpler expression would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging question

Emphasizes the difficulty or complexity of the question.

difficult question

Highlights the effort required to answer the question.

complex question

Stresses the intricate nature of the question.

thorny question

Suggests the question is sensitive and potentially problematic.

significant question

Indicates the question is important and worthy of consideration.

profound question

Implies the question delves into deep or fundamental issues.

intriguing question

Highlights the question's capacity to arouse curiosity or interest.

provocative question

Suggests the question is intended to stimulate discussion or thought.

pressing question

Highlights the urgency or importance of the question needing an answer.

demanding question

Stresses that the question requires careful consideration and a thorough response.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite a question" to acknowledge the difficulty or profundity of a question. For example, "That's "quite a question"; I'll need some time to consider it carefully."

What's a good alternative to "quite a question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenging question", "difficult question", or "complex question".

Is it appropriate to use "quite a question" in formal writing?

Yes, "quite a question" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more direct or specific phrase like "a significant question" or "an important consideration" might be more effective.

What's the tone conveyed by using "quite a question"?

Using "quite a question" generally conveys a tone of thoughtfulness and respect for the inquiry, while also acknowledging its complexity or difficulty. It's less direct than stating "that's a difficult question".