the third question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the third question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime you need to refer to a specific question, especially when talking about a set or series of questions. For example, "Please answer the third question on the worksheet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's the third question.

The Guardian

The third question is the biggest unknown.

The Economist

Let's start with the third question.

Columbia University

But the third question remained open.

Princeton University

ALISON BEARD: On to the third question.

Harvard Business Review

The third question is a resounding no.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As for the third question, all bets are off.

The New York Times

The third question: What is our attitude toward failure?

The New York Times

The third question is the mood of big-time sport.

The New York Times - Sports

The BBC's Nick Robinson asked the third question.

The Guardian

The third question holds the key to the first two.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a series of inquiries, use "the third question" to clearly indicate the current item, ensuring your audience can easily follow the sequence.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by consistently using ordinal numbers (first, second, third) instead of cardinal numbers (one, two, three) when referring to questions in a specific sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the third question" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying a particular question within a sequence. This is supported by Ludwig which confirms the phrase's correct grammatical structure and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the third question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to identify a specific inquiry within a sequence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Its communicative purpose is to provide clarity and direction, making it suitable for a neutral register across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. While seemingly simple, using precise language such as this ensures effective communication and prevents confusion. Remember to maintain consistency in your writing by using ordinal numbers when referring to a sequence of questions, as demonstrated by the examples found by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question number three

Reorders the words while maintaining the same meaning.

the third subject

Changes the focus from a question to a topic or subject under consideration.

the third inquiry

Replaces 'question' with a more formal synonym, 'inquiry'.

the third query

Substitutes 'question' with 'query', implying a search for information.

the third point

Shifts the focus from a question to a statement or argument being made.

the third item

Replaces question with a more generic term suitable for any kind of list.

the third issue

Changes the focus to a problem or matter of debate.

the subsequent question

Refers to the third question indirectly, implying it follows two previous ones.

the next question

Highlights the sequential nature of the inquiry.

the question that follows

More descriptive way to refer to the third question in a sequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "the third question" to introduce the third item in a series of inquiries. For example: "After addressing the first two concerns, "the third question" focuses on budget allocation."

What are some alternatives to using "the third question"?

Alternatives include "question number three", "the third point", or, depending on the context, "the subsequent question".

Is it more appropriate to say "the third question" or "third question"?

While both are understandable, "the third question" is generally preferred as it provides a clearer and more grammatically sound reference to a specific question within a series.

What's the difference between "the third question" and "the final question"?

"The third question" refers to a specific item in a sequence, whereas "the final question" indicates the last item in a series, regardless of its numerical position.