set the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"set the question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a question or a topic of discussion. For example: "Let's set the question of what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Both Alex and the person who set the question say so, so it must be true.

The Guardian

The deal was signed only after both sides agreed to set the question of the statue aside.

The New York Times - Arts

If a contestant gives a wrong answer, his or her place will be taken in the next show by the viewer who set the question.

The Guardian

Furthermore, if Mr. Trump is given a green light to undermine the investigations, even if you set the question of impeachment aside, the American public will never know the truth about the threats to our elections and crimes that Mr. Mueller continues to investigate, among many other things.

The New York Times

The government, which set the question, said it was approved by parliament.

BBC

The researcher gets to set the question, decide what datasets to use, how to conduct analyses and how to present results.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Our Ethical Living columnist Lucy Siegle asked leading environmental NGOs to set the questions.

The Guardian

My old mucker the controversial rock critic George Byrne used to set the questions for that.

The Guardian - Sport

They set the questions, they answer them and they win the cash.

The Guardian

Labour sources have said the Electoral Commission should be allowed to set the questions and rules for donations.

The Guardian

"A true Turing test does not set the questions or topics prior to the conversations," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set the question" when you want to formally introduce a topic or problem for discussion or analysis. It's suitable for academic papers, formal debates, or strategic planning sessions.

Common error

Avoid using "set the question" interchangeably with "ask the question". "Set the question" implies defining or framing the issue, whereas "ask the question" simply means posing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the question" functions primarily as a means of introducing and defining a topic or problem for discussion or analysis. Ludwig AI also confirms that this is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set the question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as validated by Ludwig AI, employed to introduce and define a topic or problem. While not exceedingly common, with a frequency rating of 'Uncommon', it finds its primary usage in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember that its purpose is to frame the issue, not simply to ask it. Alternatives include "pose the question", "define the question", and "frame the question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose the question

Replaces "set" with "pose", focusing on presenting the question.

define the question

Emphasizes clarifying the nature of the question.

frame the question

Highlights structuring or formulating the question.

establish the question

Focuses on making the question recognized or accepted.

formulate the question

Highlights the careful and precise creation of the question.

determine the question

Stresses the act of figuring out or deciding what the question is.

raise the question

Suggests bringing the question into consideration or discussion.

introduce the question

Focuses on the initial presentation of the question.

address the question

Focuses on dealing with or discussing the question.

table the question

Implies postponing or setting aside the question for later.

FAQs

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

You can use "set the question" to introduce a topic for discussion, as in "Let's set the question of how to improve our marketing strategy".

What's a good alternative to "set the question"?

Alternatives include "pose the question", "define the question", or "frame the question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "set the question" or "ask the question"?

The choice depends on your meaning. "Set the question" means to define or frame the issue, while "ask the question" simply means to pose it. For example, you would "set the question" for a debate, but "ask the question" during a quiz.

What does "set the question aside" mean?

"Set the question aside" means to postpone or defer consideration of the question. It's similar to saying "table the question".