simply to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply to question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the act of questioning something in a straightforward or uncomplicated manner. Example: "The purpose of this meeting is simply to question the recent changes in policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some Republican senators simply declined to question Judge White, much like trial lawyers who choose not to cross-examine witnesses who might damage their case.

The New York Times

When the taboo of euthanasia and PAS has been legally transcended with liberal laws, as in the Benelux, Montana, Oregon and Washington, many people are defending the new norm simply because to question it has become a new taboo.

BMC Palliative Care

The police may simply want to question your friend.

WikiHow

He did not question their sincerity but simply caused them to question their own beliefs.

Huffington Post

To put it simply, they failed to question the answers.

Huffington Post

An easy way to find interview questions is simply to google 'Interview Questions <Language>' with <language> being whichever language the job requires (e.g. Ruby, JavaScript, etc).

Huffington Post

Regardless, religious waivers provide cover to those who resist vaccines simply because they chose to question established science.

The New York Times

Whether wildlife conservation is really the motivation for this proposal – rather than simply making money – is open to question.

The Guardian

Some of the surprise was not, of course, about the black issue per se--it was simply to the question of tracking, which was a good bit lower than the final numbers. .

Los Angeles Times

I felt like I'd struck gold vis-à-vis my quest not to interrogate but simply to explore questions of authenticity.

The New Yorker

We invite readers to make their own case or simply to raise questions and possibilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply to question" when you want to emphasize the uncomplicated or direct nature of an inquiry. It is suitable when clarifying a basic element or challenging an underlying assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "simply to question" when the act of questioning is part of a complex or nuanced argument. It can oversimplify intricate issues, suggesting a lack of depth in your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply to question" functions as an infinitive phrase that expresses the purpose or reason for an action. It often introduces a questioning or exploratory motive, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simply to question" serves as a straightforward way to introduce an act of questioning or inquiry. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and can be used to emphasize the uncomplicated nature of seeking answers or challenging assumptions. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When considering alternatives, phrases like "merely to ask" or "just to inquire" can offer similar meanings. However, the best choice depends on the specific nuance and level of formality required in your writing. Be mindful not to overuse it in complex arguments, where it might oversimplify intricate issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely to ask

Replaces "simply" with "merely", implying a basic or minimal level of questioning.

just to inquire

Uses "inquire" instead of "question", suggesting a more formal and polite form of asking.

only to query

Substitutes "question" with "query", indicating a search for information.

plainly to ask

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the question.

directly to question

Highlights the directness of the questioning, removing any implication of subtlety.

purely to inquire

Focuses on the purity of the motive behind the question.

solely to ask

Indicates that asking the question is the only purpose.

fundamentally to question

Suggests that questioning is essential or basic to the situation.

principally to inquire

Highlights that the primary reason is to ask.

basically to ask

Indicates that asking the question is the fundamental action.

FAQs

How can I use "simply to question" in a sentence?

You can use "simply to question" to indicate a straightforward act of asking or challenging something. For example, "The purpose of this exercise is "merely to ask", not to provide definitive answers."

What are some alternatives to "simply to question"?

Alternatives include "just to inquire", "only to query", or "plainly to ask", depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "simply to question" formal or informal?

"Simply to question" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more suitable for neutral or slightly formal writing. Consider "directly to question" for more clarity in a formal setting.

What's the difference between "simply to question" and "simply to ask"?

While similar, "simply to question" implies a degree of scrutiny or challenge, whereas "simply to ask" is a more neutral expression of seeking information. Use "simply to question" when there's an element of doubt or inquiry involved, or use "solely to ask" for a more neutral expression.