resolve a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resolve a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of answering or settling a particular query. For example, "The meeting was successful in resolving all the questions that had been asked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. suggested that the court should not rush to resolve a question concerning a technology on its last legs.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to resolve a question that has vexed the lower federal courts since Congress enacted a law to narrow the gap between sentences meted out for offenses involving two kinds of cocaine.

The New York Times

In any event, moving into the bankruptcy court the debate over debt that has already been incurred should resolve a question that the parties to the issue have been unable to settle: who indeed will get paid first?

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court returned Tuesday to the question of how to take account of race in drawing election districts, hearing arguments in a case that is likely to resolve a question the court has left open five times: Must a minority group constitute a majority in a given district before an important protection of the federal Voting Rights Act kicks in?

The New York Times

If the testing also shows that the disease has caused fewer deaths than the 170 or so suspected, Dr. Schaffner said, it might resolve a question that has been puzzling health experts since the outbreak began: why did the disease appear to be so much more severe in Mexico than in the United States?

The New York Times

They were also able to resolve a question about the two major lager yeast lineages, Frohberg and Saaz, discovering that the two had separate origins, not a single precursor, as some groups had hypothesized.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The administration's decision resolves a question over California's application for a waiver from federal clean air laws to impose its own, tougher vehicle emissions standards.

The New York Times

In an interview, he said many areas of human rights were unlikely to improve until the province's final status had been resolved, a question that international policy makers have put off until at least next year.

The New York Times

The decision resolved a question the court had left open in earlier decisions, and it touched off a sharp debate among the justices about how best to protect minority voting rights without cementing racially polarized voting.

The New York Times

The museum got involved last March when rabbis from the Orthodox Union, which certifies as kosher hundreds of thousands of products across the world, sought scientific help in resolving a question that arose when they began finding the worms, or nematodes, in cans of sardines.

The New York Times

Once you think of the plan this way, it resolves a question that has been hovering over it since the beginning: How can Cain say he will raise enough money to support the federal government with a flat rate of nine per cent when most serious analyses suggest that it would take a flat rate of at least seventeen or eighteen per cent to do the job?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resolve a question" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to finding an answer, clarifying an ambiguity, or settling a dispute. This will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "resolve a question" when a simpler term like "answer" or "address" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted. Use simpler alternatives where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resolve a question" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of finding an answer or solution to a particular inquiry. It implies a process of clarifying or settling an issue, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "resolve a question" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that means to find an answer or solution to a query. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "answer a question", it is appropriate for formal contexts and often appears in news, scientific, and business-related communications. When using "resolve a question", clarity and precision in your writing are key to effectively conveying the intended meaning. Remember to also consider alternative phrases such as "address a question" or "settle a question" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

answer a question

This alternative is a more direct and simple way to convey the same meaning, suitable for informal contexts.

address a question

This alternative suggests a more formal and thorough approach to dealing with a question.

settle a question

This alternative implies bringing a final resolution to a debated or uncertain question.

clarify a question

This alternative focuses on making the question itself clearer, rather than providing an answer.

respond to an inquiry

This is a formal alternative that focuses on the act of responding to a formal request for information.

determine an answer

This emphasizes the process of finding an answer, highlighting the investigative aspect.

elucidate a query

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes providing a detailed explanation.

find a solution

This alternative broadens the scope to finding a solution to a problem that the question represents.

unravel a puzzle

This alternative treats the question as a complex problem requiring careful analysis.

decipher a riddle

Similar to "unravel a puzzle", this suggests a more enigmatic or obscure question.

FAQs

What does "resolve a question" mean?

The phrase "resolve a question" means to find an answer or solution to a particular query, problem, or ambiguity. It can also imply settling a dispute or clearing up confusion.

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

You might use the phrase in a sentence like, "The research aims to "answer a question" about the effectiveness of the new treatment".

What can I say instead of "resolve a question"?

You can use alternatives like ""answer a question"", "address a question", or "settle a question" depending on the context.

Is it better to "answer a question" or "resolve a question"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""answer a question"" is generally more straightforward and suitable for informal contexts. "Resolve a question" is often used in more formal or complex situations where a deeper understanding or settlement is required.