the first question asks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the first question asks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce an inquiry or to alert readers that a question follows. Example: The first question asks why the project was cancelled.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The first question asks whether classical genetics has been or will be reduced to molecular genetics.

SEP

The first question asks about the students' belief on the helpfulness of the C-DA in improving their reading abilities.

Language Testing in Asia

The first question asks about whether one feels to have the skills to do a more demanding job.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

The first question asks about the students' belief on the helpfulness of the C-DA in improving their reading abilities, while the second question concerns the students' preference for this kind of testing format.

Language Testing in Asia

The first question asks you to decide whether this would be a good department for you -- and therefore how many other things you are willing to sacrifice in order to end up there.

Science Magazine

Command of evidence will be tested in question pairs where the first question asks the student to demonstrate comprehension of the passage and the second one asks the student to choose which piece of the text provides evidence for the previous answer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The first question asked whether the passage was fact or fiction.

The New York Times

Inevitably too it was a talking point at WPIX, the first question asked.

The New York Times

That is usually the first question asked when a woman gives birth.

The Economist

The reality is we knew it would be the first question asked.

The Guardian

"Did you study in Africa?" was the first question asked by Aduke Aremu, a panelist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the first question asks", ensure that subsequent sentences elaborate on the context or significance of that initial question.

Common error

Avoid vague language when introducing the first question. Clearly state or imply the question's content to ensure the reader understands its focus immediately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the first question asks" serves as an introductory phrase. It's used to signal the beginning of a series of inquiries or to highlight the initial point of investigation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the first question asks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction employed to introduce an initial inquiry or topic for discussion. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it's versatile, appearing in both formal and informal contexts, with a tendency toward neutral register, frequently used in Science and News & Media. It is important to ensure clarity in the subsequent formulation of the question to maximize communicative effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The initial inquiry concerns

Focuses on the inquiry itself rather than the act of asking.

The primary question posed is

Emphasizes the act of posing a question, indicating formality.

Initially, the query explores

Highlights the exploratory nature of the question.

The opening question addresses

Highlights the question's position as the opener.

The first point of inquiry is

Replaces "question" with "point of inquiry", indicating a formal context.

What is initially asked is

Uses a passive construction to shift the emphasis.

The first item on the agenda is to ask

More direct in its language, highlights question's place on the agenda

We begin by asking

Starts with the action of asking rather than the question itself.

The starting point for our investigation is

Shifts from question to 'investigation', more exploratory.

Initially, we want to know

Informal alternative, focuses on gaining knowledge.

FAQs

How do I use "the first question asks" in a sentence?

Use "the first question asks" to introduce the initial inquiry in a series of questions, or to highlight the most important question at the beginning of a discussion. For example, "The first question asks whether we have sufficient resources."

What can I say instead of "the first question asks"?

You can use alternatives like "the initial inquiry concerns", "the primary question posed is", or "initially, the query explores" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the first question asks"?

While "the first question asks" is grammatically correct, consider if the "asks" part is necessary. Depending on the context you might prefer phrasing such as "the first question is" or "the initial question addresses".

Which is correct: "the first question asks" or "the first question is asking"?

While both are grammatically correct, "the first question asks" is typically preferred for its directness and clarity. "The first question is asking" implies that the question is in the process of being asked, which might be appropriate in specific narrative contexts.