suggest the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggest the question" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when asking someone to propose a question for discussion or consideration. Example: "In our next meeting, I would like you to suggest the question that we should focus on."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But it does suggest the question should be addressed functionally, rather than in the abstract.

The Economist

In 2002 the New York Institute for the Humanities organized a symposium under the title "Was Athanasius Kircher the Coolest Guy Ever, or What?" The highlights of this 17th-century German Jesuit polymath's sprawling résumé, summed up in John Glassie's brisk new biography, suggest the question wasn't completely absurd.

The New York Times - Books

As you suggest, the question of literacy is secondary to that of identity formation--and I struggle with the fact that, as you say, "fewer and fewer people...are raised with a coherent religious identity foundation".

Huffington Post

We suggest the question is more complex than one of simple monotherapy versus combination therapy.

Critical Care

The correspondence with answers to open questions and the MHPs' plans to implement e-health suggest the question has some validity.

BMC Medical Education

It treated, as Eakin and Mykhalovskiy [ 16] suggest, the question as a compass rather than an anchor, and as something that would not finally be settled until the end of the review.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Philadelphia Coach Mark Krikorian jokingly responded about how the team was doing by suggesting the question go to the trainer.

The New York Times - Sports

"Why do you take pictures of naked women?" The steely tone suggests the question's glaring subtext.

The New York Times

Ultimately, they suggested, the question of constitutionality would involve a national look in the mirror: Is this what America does?

The New York Times

"Matisse: The Fabric of Dreams — His Art and His Textiles," a revelatory, achingly beautiful show with a weak title that is now at the Met, suggests the question.

The New Yorker

To refuse or fail to acknowledge them in a history of the cigarette, however, is more problematic, and suggests the question: Is a cigarette sometimes just a cigarette?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "propose", "raise", or "pose" for more direct and impactful writing.

Common error

Avoid using "suggest the question" in highly formal writing. More precise verbs like "pose", "raise", or "propose" enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggest the question" functions as a verb phrase, where "suggest" acts as the main verb, and "the question" is the direct object. It is often used to introduce or recommend a particular question for consideration, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suggest the question" is grammatically acceptable but can sound somewhat awkward in formal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's often better to use stronger verbs like "propose", "raise", or "pose" for more clarity and impact. The phrase appears in news, scientific articles, and some formal business settings, but it is not very common. When writing, consider whether a more direct alternative might better suit your intended tone and purpose. While understood, substituting with propose the question, raise the question, or pose the question, might provide enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propose the question

Focuses on formally putting forth a question for discussion or debate.

raise the question

Emphasizes bringing a question to someone's attention.

pose the question

Highlights the act of formally asking a question.

put forward the question

Implies suggesting a question for further investigation.

indicate the question

Highlights pointing out or specifying a particular question.

offer the question

Conveys presenting a question for consideration or response.

recommend the question

Suggests endorsing a specific question as relevant or important.

prompt the question

Emphasizes what triggers or introduces a question.

float the question

Means introducing an idea to get feedback.

table the question

Means to postpone discussion on a particular question.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "suggest the question"?

You can use alternatives like "propose the question", "raise the question", or "pose the question" depending on the context.

Is "suggest the question" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase is grammatically sound, but it might sound awkward or less impactful than alternatives like propose the question or raise the question.

When is it appropriate to use "suggest the question"?

The phrase is suitable when you want to imply a gentle or indirect way of introducing a question. More direct alternatives are preferable in formal settings.

What's the difference between "suggest the question" and "pose the question"?

"Suggest the question" implies a recommendation or indication of a question, while "pose the question" means to formally present or ask the question. "Pose the question" carries a stronger sense of directness.