that kind of question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that kind of question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type of question that has been previously mentioned or implied in the conversation. Example: "I find that kind of question to be quite challenging, as it requires deep thought and reflection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I'm not prepared to answer that kind of question.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're going to have that kind of question, don't ask me.

The New Yorker

Game theory provides a way of answering that kind of question.

MIT Technology Review

Senator Hollings, there's no certain way to answer that kind of question.

The New York Times

I'm not sure male photographers get asked that kind of question". Read the full interview.

The Guardian - Arts

But they also needed a methodology for answering that kind of question.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

I was being genuine, mostly, although I also appreciated that it was the kind of question that would annoy her.

Vice

That's the kind of question that used to be reserved for buying products in categories like food and pharmaceuticals.

Forbes

That's not the kind of question that can be answered here—it's not exactly the kind of question that can be answered after over 2000 years of human inquiry, either.

Vice

But that is precisely the kind of question that the public has.

The New York Times

And that makes it exactly the kind of question that financial analysts love to discuss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that kind of question" when you want to refer to a general category of questions, rather than a specific, individual query. This helps to avoid repetition and provides a broader context.

Common error

Avoid using "that kind of question" excessively in close proximity. Instead, vary your language with synonyms or more specific references to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that kind of question" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular category or type of question. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to generalize about inquiries sharing similar characteristics. This contrasts with referring to a specific question directly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that kind of question" is a versatile phrase used to refer to a general category of inquiries, rather than a specific one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various sources, particularly in news and media, and academic contexts. While the phrase is suitable for many situations, being mindful of context is important: formal settings may benefit from using more elevated alternatives. Remember that the best practice is to vary language and avoid overuse. Consider related phrases like "a question of that nature" or "such a question" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of that nature

Replaces "kind" with "nature", focusing on the essence or type of the question.

such a question

Uses "such" as a demonstrative adjective, providing a more concise alternative.

this type of question

Substitutes "that kind" with "this type", indicating a similar category or classification.

a question like that

Emphasizes similarity through direct comparison using "like that".

questions of that sort

Replaces "kind" with "sort", suggesting a category or type of inquiry.

that line of questioning

Shifts focus to the process of questioning, implying a series of related inquiries.

inquiries of that type

Uses "inquiries" to refer to questions, adding a formal tone.

a similar question

Highlights the resemblance between questions.

that particular question

Emphasizes the specific nature of the question.

this very question

Focuses on the immediacy and directness of the question.

FAQs

How can I use "that kind of question" in a sentence?

"That kind of question" is used to refer to a general type of inquiry, as in, "I'm not comfortable answering "that kind of question" in a public forum."

What's a more formal way to say "that kind of question"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "a question of that nature" or "such a question" to maintain a more professional tone.

Is it ever inappropriate to ask "that kind of question"?

Whether it's inappropriate depends on the context. Asking a question about someone's personal life in a professional setting might be considered "that kind of question" that is best avoided.

What are some alternatives to "that kind of question" for variety?

For more variety, consider using alternatives such as "this type of question", "a similar question", or "questions of that sort". These options provide similar meanings while adding diversity to your writing.