the following question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the following question' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "Please answer the following question: What is your favorite color?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

1. Hans asks the following question.

The New York Times

The following question, from 2014, is for the older group.

The Guardian

Have a break, and think about the following question.

The Guardian - Business

To drive this point home, consider the following question.

The New York Times

If I had asked you on Sept. 10 the following question, what would your answer be?

The New York Times

And that raises the following question: Are you fucking kidding me?

The New Yorker

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: 1.

The Guardian - Sport

I piped up with the following question: 'When are you going to release that Rizla album?

The Guardian

Dear GrantDoctor, I have the following question.

Science Magazine

This paper answers the following question.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

focusing the following questions: a.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the following question" in formal writing, ensure that the question is directly relevant to the preceding context to maintain coherence and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "the following question" if the question does not logically follow from the preceding text. Ensure there's a clear connection; otherwise, rephrase to provide better context or introduce the question directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the following question" functions as an introducer or signpost, signaling that a question will be presented immediately afterward. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the following question" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a question across diverse contexts, particularly in Science and News & Media. It serves to prepare the reader or listener for an upcoming inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage, making it a reliable choice for clear communication. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, be mindful of the context and ensure a logical connection between the phrase and the question it introduces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the question that follows

Breaks down the phrase to emphasize the sequence of asking a question.

the next question

Focuses specifically on the sequential aspect of the question in a series.

the subsequent inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal synonym, "inquiry", and "following" with "subsequent", implying a chronological sequence.

the question below

Indicates that the question is physically positioned underneath the current text, specifying layout.

the ensuing query

Substitutes "question" with "query", a more technical term, and "following" with "ensuing", suggesting a natural consequence.

consider this question

Directs the audience to think about the specific question being presented.

the primary question

Emphasizes that the question is the most important or central one under consideration.

here's the question

Informally introduces a question, suitable for spoken or less formal written contexts.

a relevant question

Highlights the importance or pertinence of the question to the current topic.

let us ask this question

Proposes the act of questioning, often used to transition into a new topic or perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "the following question" in a sentence?

You can use "the following question" to introduce a query that you are about to state. For example, "Consider "the following question": What is the capital of France?"

What's a more formal alternative to "the following question"?

For a more formal tone, you might use "the subsequent inquiry" or "the ensuing query".

Is it okay to use "the following question" in academic writing?

Yes, "the following question" is suitable for academic writing. It's a clear and direct way to introduce a question. However, ensure your language remains professional.

What is the difference between "the following question" and "the next question"?

"The next question" implies a sequence, while ""the following question"" simply introduces the question to come, without necessarily implying a pre-established sequence.