realistic question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "realistic question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is practical, sensible, or grounded in reality. Example: "In our discussion about future projects, it's important to ask a realistic question about our budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Whether Madden and Michaels, who is 54, can attract young viewers is a realistic question.

The New York Times - Sports

"Does streaming even want to be the new radio?" is probably a more realistic question.

The Guardian - Music

The only realistic question in an adult mind is which set of errors you're going to accept.

The New York Times

But the more realistic question is whether or not the year-end field has a chance of putting up some wins that edge the overall numbers up.

The Guardian - Film

A more realistic question might be, Would you take a punch from Mike Tyson if it meant not having to sit through 10 hours of a mediocre lawyer show?

The New York Times - Arts

Though Tuesday's game between Syracuse and Villanova was being dubbed the "Battle for the Bid," the realistic question looming now that Villanova won 82-63 if if the Wildcats are actually assured a spot in the N.C.A.A. tournament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Artificial intelligence researchers are grappling with more realistic questions like whether their creations will take too many jobs from humans.

The New York Times - Tech

On the other hand it did contain enough realistic questions for the results to be suppressed by the bishops' conferences in most countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is further argued that these procedures should be used in examinations as current approaches do not provide realistic design questions and are more a test of the student's mathematical ability than their capability in control design.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

From the same realistic viewpoint, he questions the relevance of the legal issues: to a Pakistani family, it didn't matter whether the Hellfire missile that killed their children was fired by a military aircraft or a C.I.A. drone.

The New Yorker

It is this failure to analyse the real impediments that makes me question how realistic Helm's alternative action plan would be in reality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "realistic question", ensure that the context clearly outlines the constraints or real-world factors making it so. For example, 'Given the limited resources, a realistic question is whether we can afford this expansion'.

Common error

Avoid using "realistic question" when a simpler term like "important question" or "key question" would suffice. "Realistic" implies grounding in practical constraints, so overuse can dilute its impact. For example, instead of saying 'A realistic question is how to achieve world peace', consider 'A key question is how to achieve world peace' if you are not specifically discussing practical limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "realistic question" functions as a noun phrase, where "realistic" modifies the noun "question". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.666666666666667%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "realistic question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce an inquiry grounded in practicality and real-world limitations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While alternatives like "practical question" or "sensible question" exist, "realistic question" emphasizes the consideration of existing constraints and resources. While it is not "very common" the expression is well-established and easily and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical question

Emphasizes the practicality and feasibility of the question.

sensible question

Highlights the reasonableness and sound judgment behind the question.

pragmatic question

Focuses on the question's relevance to real-world solutions and outcomes.

viable question

Indicates that the question is worth pursuing and has a possibility of yielding results.

down-to-earth question

Stresses the question's lack of pretension and focus on fundamental aspects.

matter-of-fact question

Underlines the straightforward and unbiased nature of the question.

hard-headed question

Suggests the question is asked with a clear and unsentimental view of reality.

reasonable inquiry

Similar to sensible question but with a slightly more formal tone.

feasible query

Emphasizes the achievability of finding an answer to the question.

grounded question

Highlights that the question is based on solid facts and evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "realistic question" to introduce an inquiry that considers practical limitations or real-world constraints. For example: "Given our budget, a "realistic question" is whether we can afford this expansion."

What are some alternatives to "realistic question"?

Alternatives include "practical question", "sensible question", or "pragmatic question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "realistic question" formal or informal?

"Realistic question" is generally suitable for neutral to professional contexts. It's not overly formal but avoids slang or colloquialisms.

What makes a question "realistic"?

A question is considered "realistic" when it takes into account existing limitations, resources, and real-world conditions, rather than being purely theoretical or idealistic.