reframe the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reframe the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should change the way they are asking a question to gain a different perspective or clarity. Example: "To better understand the issue, let's reframe the question to focus on the underlying causes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It is time to reframe the question.

The Guardian - Business

Until we reframe the question, we're going to keep getting the same inadequate answers.

The New York Times

This paper attempts to reframe the question — by shifting the attention from the events to the time period itself.

Columbia University

Ruhl, by answering something Ritvo didn't exactly ask, forces him to reframe the question, broadcasting it to posterity.

The New Yorker

But in the past couple of days, we've seen some laudable efforts to reframe the question in a manner that's more amenable to rational discourse.

The New Yorker

So let's reframe the question: what is the quality that most sets us apart from all the other species with which we share the planet?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Another way for congressional Republicans to gain an advantage is to reframe the questions being asked, because whoever controls the question determines the answer.

The Washington Post

This interdependence is what makes the tensions strategic paradoxes, requiring leaders to reframe the questions not as classic either/or trade-offs that can be firmly resolved, but rather as ongoing "both/and" exercises ("How can we simultaneously do both X and Y?").

Harvard Business Review

It helps to continually reframe the questions that are being asked.

HuffPost

It simply reframed the question.

Stanford University

As the town-hall audience murmured nervously, Matthews reframed the question for Johnson.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reframe the question" to encourage a different perspective or approach when the initial framing isn't yielding satisfactory answers. This is particularly useful in problem-solving scenarios or complex discussions where the initial assumptions may be limiting progress.

Common error

Avoid using "reframe the question" simply as a filler phrase. Ensure there's a genuine need to shift the perspective because the original question is flawed, unclear, or unproductive. Always articulate why the question needs reframing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reframe the question" functions as a directive, urging a shift in perspective or approach to the central inquiry. It suggests that the existing question may be inadequate or misleading, and a new formulation is needed. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its practical application across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reframe the question" is a valid and frequently used phrase that encourages a shift in perspective for more effective problem-solving and clearer understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, its applications are broad, spanning news, academia, and professional settings. While common, it's crucial to use this phrase purposefully, ensuring that the need for reframing is justified and contributes to a more productive line of inquiry. Alternatives such as "restate the question" or "rethink the question" can be considered for nuanced variations. With a solid grammatical standing and a clearly defined purpose, "reframe the question" is a valuable tool for effective communication and critical analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restate the question

Changes the wording of the original question while maintaining the core inquiry.

reformulate the question

Suggests a more significant change in the question's structure or focus.

rethink the question

Focuses on reconsidering the assumptions and premises of the question.

rephrase the question

Similar to restating, but implies a simpler change in wording.

revisit the question

Suggests returning to the question after a period of consideration or with new information.

refine the question

Implies making the question more precise and focused.

reconstruct the question

Suggests a complete overhaul of the question's structure and elements.

re-evaluate the question

Shifts emphasis to judging the question's value and relevance.

alter the question

A general term indicating a change to some part of the question.

shift the focus of the question

Highlights a change in the central subject or concern of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "reframe the question" to suggest a new perspective on a problem, as in "Instead of asking why this failed, let's "reframe the question" to focus on what we can learn from this experience."

What's a simpler way to say "reframe the question"?

Alternatives include "rephrase the question", "restate the question", or "rethink the question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "reframe the question" or "answer the question"?

It depends on the situation. If the question is unclear, irrelevant, or based on faulty assumptions, then it's better to "reframe the question" first. If the question is valid and answerable, then answering it directly is more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to "reframe the question" in a discussion?

It's appropriate to "reframe the question" when the current line of inquiry is unproductive, when underlying assumptions are questionable, or when a different perspective could lead to a more insightful or useful answer. For example, you could "reframe the question" if the original question is too broad, too narrow, or based on a false premise.