take a question

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when talking about a Q&A session where questions can be asked. For example, "At this point, please take a question if you have one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Cameron said he would take a question from him.

The Guardian

I take a question from a great historian especially seriously.

The New York Times

He repeatedly raised his hand and asked the senators to "take a question from law enforcement".

The New York Times

He'll take a question and he'll just answer it, and it'll be fine".

The New York Times - Magazine

"He would take a question, and he would say, 'That's the question, but that's not the issue!' " More laughter.

The New Yorker

In front of the American journalists, he didn't want to take a question that was not in English".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Hansen started off his press conference without taking a question.

Independent

Then she took a question about her favorite soda flavor.

The New York Times

It took a question about the cost of college to reveal strong differences.

The New York Times

As he was taking a question, he began to look distracted.

The New York Times

In interviews, he often takes a question and detours the inquisitor toward his own perception.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a question" in scenarios where someone is explicitly allowing or choosing to answer an inquiry, particularly in public or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "take a question" to describe situations where someone is forced to answer; reserve it for voluntary responses or invitations to inquire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a question" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of accepting and answering a question. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Examples show its use in news, media, and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a question" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the act of responding to inquiries, especially in formal or public contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and common across various sources, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "address the question" or "answer an inquiry" exist, "take a question" remains a direct and clear way to express willingness to engage in a question-and-answer session. It is suitable for both formal and informal discussions, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

field a question

Implies handling a question, typically in a press conference or public setting.

address the question

Highlights directly dealing with the topic or subject of the inquiry.

respond to the query

Emphasizes reaction and reply, appropriate in a formal context.

reply to the question

Direct and simple, focused on the act of replying.

answer an inquiry

Focuses on providing a response, emphasizing the informational aspect.

accept a question

Highlights the act of receiving or allowing a question to be asked.

entertain a question

Implies willingness to consider and respond to a question, often used in polite contexts.

handle the inquiry

Stresses the management or processing of a question.

take up the inquiry

Suggests beginning consideration of or dealing with the question.

consider the question

Focuses on thinking about the question before responding.

FAQs

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

You can use "take a question" when describing someone who is willing to answer inquiries, such as, "The speaker agreed to "take a question" from the audience after the presentation".

What are some alternatives to "take a question"?

Alternatives include "answer an inquiry", "address the question", or "respond to the query", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it more formal to say "take a question" or "field a question"?

"Field a question" is often used in more formal or public settings, like press conferences, while "take a question" is generally suitable for both formal and informal situations.

What's the difference between "take a question" and "entertain a question"?

"Entertain a question" implies a willingness to consider and discuss the question, whereas "take a question" simply means to answer it. For instance, a politician might "take a question" from the press, but a professor might "entertain a question" during a philosophical discussion.