rephrase your question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rephrase your question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to restate their question in a different way for clarity or understanding. Example: "I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Could you please rephrase your question?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Can you rephrase your question in a more concrete way?" he said.

The New Yorker

To rephrase your question slightly: May you lie to a patient to initiate a relationship of trust?

The New York Times - Magazine

If so, let's rephrase your question: W.W.M.V.D.D.? What Would the Magnificent Viola Davis Do? (Join the Social Q's Facebook group to explain how a movie can be so good and so bad at the same time).

The New York Times

In each of the televised Q&As that have decorated this debate, it has felt like it would be entirely reasonable for the subjects on both sides to say: "Sorry, but could you rephrase your question without taking such obvious delight in being massively rude, please?" Instead, they offer up the one part of their face not pelted in tomatoes, and humbly point out that we've missed a bit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Do not hesitate to repeat or rephrase your sentences and questions if you sense there is an absence of comprehension.

WikiHow

Instead, rephrase the question to show that you've prepared: "One of the challenges of your job must be the variety of departments and disciplines that you work with.

Science Magazine

So let me rephrase the question.

The New York Times - Magazine

I rephrase the question, would he like to appear in a Marvel film in the future?

Independent

So let me rephrase my question: what conceivable evidence would convince people that supply-side magic doesn't work?

The New York Times

Two days ago, during a pregame press conference, Francona asked a writer to rephrase a question and "use words that I can recognize".

The New York Times - Sports

"I prefer to rephrase the question as, 'Where do those emotional relationships go?' It doesn't make sense that they disappear".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "rephrase your question", be sure to provide context or a reason for your request. This helps the person understand why their question needs clarification and guides them in reformulating it effectively.

Common error

Avoid assuming you already know what the person is trying to ask. Instead of guessing, explicitly ask them to "rephrase your question" so you can fully understand their intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rephrase your question" serves as an imperative, directly instructing someone to reformulate their question. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to seek clarification when the initial question is unclear. The command aims to elicit a clearer articulation of the inquiry.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science & Research

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rephrase your question" is a grammatically sound and usable command, as validated by Ludwig AI, employed to solicit a clearer articulation of an inquiry. It appears most commonly in news and media contexts, reflecting its utility in ensuring clear communication. While the phrase itself is straightforward, providing context when using it can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Alternatives such as "restate your question" and "could you clarify your question" offer similar ways to achieve clarity. By understanding its function and usage, speakers can use "rephrase your question" to facilitate more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restate your question

Changes the verb to 'restate', focusing on repeating the question in a different form.

reword your question

Replaces 'rephrase' with 'reword', emphasizing a change in the specific words used.

could you clarify your question?

Shifts from an imperative to a polite request for clarification.

can you elaborate on your question?

Focuses on adding more detail and expanding the explanation of the question.

can you be more specific?

Asks for a more focused and detailed question, narrowing the scope of inquiry.

can you put it another way?

Suggests expressing the question using a completely different approach or perspective.

try framing your question differently

Encourages a change in the overall structure and presentation of the question.

express your question in simpler terms

Highlights the need for easier-to-understand language and avoids complexity.

formulate your question more precisely

Emphasizes the importance of accuracy and exactness in the question's construction.

present your question from another angle

Suggests altering the viewpoint or perspective from which the question is posed.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "rephrase your question"?

It's appropriate to ask someone to "rephrase your question" when the original question is unclear, ambiguous, or difficult to understand. This ensures you can provide a relevant and accurate response.

What are some alternative ways to ask someone to clarify their question instead of saying "rephrase your question"?

You can use alternatives like "could you clarify your question", "can you elaborate on your question", or "can you be more specific" depending on the context.

How can I politely ask someone to "rephrase your question"?

To politely ask someone to "rephrase your question", use phrases like "I'm not sure I understand. Could you rephrase it?" or "Could you please rephrase your question to help me understand better?"

Is it better to "rephrase your question" or to "restate your question"?

Both "rephrase your question" and "restate your question" are acceptable. "Rephrase" implies rewording for clarity, while "restate" suggests saying it again in a different way. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.