such a question

USAGE SUMMARY

"such a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or problem that is being discussed in a conversation or text. For example, "John was puzzled when he heard such a question - why does everyone need to wear a mask in public?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's such a 12-year-old arsehole.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Final Destination Airplane! demolished the disaster movie genre that had been such a 70s staple.

The Guardian - Film

The F.B.I. said it was aware of such a 911 call but provided no details.

The New York Times

The presence of a background carrier population could enhance the probability of such a process31.

Nature

Germany's Economy Minister, Michael Glos, said such a €300bn rescue fund was a non-starter.

The Guardian

However, a subsequent investigation of four dental calculus samples failed to find such a correlation26.

Nature

No other party in U.S. history has done such a 180.

The Washington Post

Of course, such a 401(k) does not exist in the real world.

University of California, Berkeley

A previous study demonstrated the ability to identify K-edges below 10 keV using such a detector40.

Nature

Therefore, the composition of such a 2N-port network requires N delay lines and 2N2 SPSTs (or 2N SPNTs).

Nature

However, it usually takes much time and cost to make such a 3D model.

Automation in Construction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "such a question" when you want to emphasize the nature or quality of the question being asked. It often implies that the question is surprising, difficult, or noteworthy in some way.

Common error

Avoid using "such a question" for ordinary or routine inquiries. It's best reserved for situations where the question has a particular significance or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a question" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying the noun "question". It typically serves to highlight a particular quality or characteristic of the question, often implying surprise, difficulty, or importance, as determined by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "such a question" is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize a particular aspect of the question being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While examples are limited, the phrase is intuitive and generally understood. It's suitable for use across various contexts, although overuse in simple situations should be avoided. Consider it as a way of highlighting a question's significance, difficulty, or unexpected nature. Alternatives like "a question like that" or "this particular question" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this particular question

Emphasizes the specific and individual nature of the question.

a question like that

Focuses on the nature of the question itself, highlighting its specific characteristics.

that kind of question

Emphasizes the category or type of question being asked.

a query of this type

Similar to "that kind of question" but uses more formal vocabulary.

a similar query

Replaces "question" with a synonym, maintaining a formal tone.

an inquiry of that nature

Offers a more formal and elaborate way to refer to the question.

a comparable problem

Shifts the focus to a problem, implying the question is challenging.

a related issue

Connects the question to a broader issue or topic.

that line of questioning

Highlights the approach or direction of the inquiry.

a matter for debate

Presents the question as a subject open for discussion and disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "such a question" to refer back to something someone said, implying it was surprising or difficult to answer. For example, "After hearing "such a question", I wasn't sure how to respond."

What are some alternatives to "such a question"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a question like that", "that kind of question", or "this particular question".

Is "such a question" formal or informal?

"Such a question" can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the overall tone and context of the conversation or writing.

When is it appropriate to use "such a question"?

Use "such a question" when you want to emphasize something about the question itself, such as its difficulty, unexpectedness, or significance. For example, "I had never considered "such a question" before."