raising a question

USAGE SUMMARY

"raising a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a question that you are asking. For example, "Raising the question of how to dispose of a large amount of waste, what are the options available?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was just "raising a question".

The Guardian - Opinion

Merely raising a question can lead to a Kafkaesque nightmare.

The Economist

"This is raising a question of utility infrastructure.

The Guardian

Shock long ago went mainstream, raising a question: Can art still shock today?

The New York Times - Arts

And as the writer [Kotis] said, it's about raising a question.

The Guardian

But Sister Mary Celine was not killed by a gun, raising a question that the law remains unclear on.

The New York Times

The Taliban government quickly fell, raising a question that became obvious only after it was raised: Now what?

The New York Times

"I think the first album was raising a question – or more pointing out what was wrong," Beth says.

The Guardian - Music

At 0-7, the Colts looked hapless against the Saints, raising a question about whether they will win a game this season.

The New York Times - Sports

"I will take the liberty of intervening occasionally and raising a question or asking for a comment," he said at his first meeting in March 2006.

The New York Times

In June 1992 the Danes voted narrowly against ratification, raising a question mark over the assumption that the path to EMU would be smooth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raising a question", ensure that the question is clearly articulated and directly relevant to the preceding context. This helps maintain clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Ensure that the question you are "raising a question" about is not too broad or ambiguous. A vague question can lead to unfocused discussions and lack of clarity. Be specific in your inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raising a question" functions as an introductory device to signal the introduction of a problem, inquiry, or subject needing exploration. It prepares the reader or listener for a query or uncertainty that will be addressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raising a question" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase commonly used to introduce an inquiry or issue that warrants further consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in news media and scientific domains, suggesting its applicability across diverse communication styles. While alternatives such as "posing a question" or "prompting a question" exist, "raising a question" maintains a neutral tone suitable for initiating critical thinking and discussion. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity and relevance to maintain coherence in writing. This thorough analysis should aid writers in effectively utilizing "raising a question" to enhance clarity and facilitate meaningful discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

posing a question

Uses 'posing' instead of 'raising', offering a slightly more formal tone.

prompting a question

Suggests the action causes a question to arise.

bringing up a question

Implies introducing a question for discussion.

introducing a query

A more formal way of presenting a question.

broaching a question

Indicates cautiously introducing a sensitive question.

addressing a question

Focuses on dealing with a question that already exists.

exploring an issue

Shifts focus from a single question to a broader topic.

considering an inquiry

Implies thoughtful evaluation of a formal question.

opening up an inquiry

Suggests initiating a formal investigation.

questioning an assumption

Focuses on challenging a belief rather than asking a general question.

FAQs

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

"Raising a question" typically introduces a specific query or point of discussion. For example, "Raising a question about the budget, what are our options for cost reduction?"

What are some alternatives to "raising a question"?

Alternatives include "posing a question", "prompting a question", or "bringing up a question", depending on the specific context.

Is "raising a question" formal or informal?

"Raising a question" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific setting.

What's the difference between "raising a question" and "asking a question"?

"Raising a question" often implies introducing a topic for discussion or consideration, while "asking a question" is a more direct request for information. "Raising a question" might precede a series of inquiries or a broader exploration of a topic, while "asking a question" seeks a specific answer.