tabled a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tabled a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as parliamentary procedure or meetings, to indicate that a question or topic has been formally presented for discussion or consideration. Example: "During the meeting, the committee tabled a question regarding the budget allocation for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Dennis Skinner had tabled a question.

The Guardian

Carter-Ruck's plan was unravelled by a combination of Parliamentary freedom (MP Paul Farrelly tabled a question) and Twitter.

The Guardian

The existence of the super-injunction was revealed today by John Hemming, a back-bench Liberal Democrat MP who tabled a question in Parliament about the gagging order.

Independent

The Labour life peer Lord Lipsey tabled a question in the House of Lords last week asking ministers to lift the ban on Hobsbawm's access to his files.

The Guardian

The order was eventually overturned when a British member of Parliament tabled a question on the issue, using a centuries-old precedent known as privilege, which holds reporting on Parliament above the law.

The New York Times

Lord Beecham has tabled a question in the Lords asking the Government what steps are being taken to ensure the museum reopens after describing the closure as "a grave blow".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Tory peer Lord Flight has also tabled an question in the Lords for 14 February.

The Guardian

Ruane says he tried to table a question in the Commons asking how much MPs and peers cost.

The Guardian

In Italy, a government MP said he was tabling a question in parliament after a report in the Guardian suggested that Materazzi had called Zidane a terrorist.

The Guardian

Lord Oakeshott, a Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, was also tabling a question to demand a copy of the PwC review be placed in the parliamentary library after the City regulator said rules prevented it from making the report public.

The Guardian - Business

He claims he's being scapegoated for tabling a question in parliament last year that implicated the health minister, Hatem al-Gabali (owner of some of the biggest hospitals and health centres in Egypt), in the scandal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tabled a question" in formal settings, such as parliamentary procedures or official meetings, to indicate that a question has been formally introduced for discussion and consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "tabled a question" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it sounds overly formal and out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "asked a question" or "raised a point" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tabled a question" functions as a verbal phrase within sentences, often acting as the main verb to describe the action of formally presenting a question for consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts requiring formal communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tabled a question" is a formal phrase used to describe the action of formally presenting a question, particularly within parliamentary or official contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media sources. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "asked a question", it conveys a specific sense of procedural formality. When writing, use this phrase in situations that warrant a formal tone and avoid it in casual contexts. Alternative phrases such as "raised a question" or "submitted a question" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tabled an inquiry

Close synonym, replacing "question" with "inquiry" to express a similar action.

raised a question

Indicates a less formal introduction of a question, without the specific connotation of official procedure.

submitted a question

Suggests the formal submission of a question, but lacks the implication of immediate discussion.

posed a question

Implies a direct and often challenging inquiry, differing from the procedural nature of the original phrase.

presented a question

Indicates the formal introduction of a question, often with supporting details or context.

lodged a question

Emphasizes the official registration or filing of a question, suitable for parliamentary or legal settings.

put forward a question

Suggests the act of proposing a question for consideration, often in a more collaborative setting.

introduced a query

Formally presents an inquiry, often in a technical or investigative context.

offered a question

Suggests a voluntary presentation of a question, often for clarification or further exploration.

proffered a question

Represents a formal and somewhat archaic way of presenting a question, often with a sense of deference.

FAQs

What does "tabled a question" mean in a parliamentary context?

In parliamentary procedure, "tabled a question" means that a member has formally submitted a question to the government or relevant body, requiring a response or discussion during a session.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tabled a question"?

It's appropriate to use "tabled a question" in formal settings like parliamentary debates, official meetings, or when reporting on such events. In more informal contexts, consider using "raised a question" or "asked a question".

Are there any synonyms for "tabled a question" that are less formal?

Yes, less formal alternatives include "raised a question", "submitted a question", or simply "asked a question", depending on the context.

How does "tabled a question" differ from "asked a question"?

"Tabled a question" implies a formal and procedural submission, typically within a structured environment like a parliament or committee. "Asked a question" is a more general term that can apply to both formal and informal situations.