threatening question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threatening question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that implies a threat or intimidation, often in a confrontational context. Example: "When he asked me if I was going to pay back the money, it felt like a threatening question."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nicholson is rubbing the boy's back as he asks subtly threatening questions.

The Guardian

Mr. Nicholson is rubbing the boy's back as he asks subtly threatening questions, and the boy is almost slumped over as he sits there.

The New York Times

During that case, Ms. McCann said, she received calls and threatening questions similar to those she gets now: "How do you sleep at night?" Ms. McCann considers it her Catholic, as well as constitutional, duty to care for society's castoffs.

The New York Times

You going out there to pursue your biggest dream could make them feel threatened and question themselves on how they've lived their lives because they were too afraid or lazy to do what they secretly wanted.

Huffington Post

They quickly detained the chief organiser, Liu Xiaobo, a veteran Beijing activist, and threatened or questioned dozens of other signatories.

The Economist

His political career is threatened by questions about whether he improperly enriched himself at taxpayers' expense, so how does he defend himself?

The New York Times

He was reportedly beaten up, threatened, and questioned about the authorship of several recent articles about the highway roadblocks and violent confrontations.

Vice

Bowen [ 20] and Lesky [ 21] suggest that students learn by teaching and may feel less threatened asking questions that reveal a lack of knowledge of a fellow student than of a preceptor.

BMC Medical Education

The big, career-threatening question facing Mr Palmisano and the reason other multinational companies will want to study IBM closely is whether he can find a new way to realise the growth that his shareholders demand.In a speech last year at INSEAD business school in France, Mr Palmisano set IBM's Indian move in the context of the modern multinational company.

The Economist

Unlike the appraisal literature outside medicine, ROs did not seem to find probing or challenging questions threatening [ 15], instead finding this constructive and promoting reflection.

BMC Medical Education

Twenty minutes into the New Orleans Saints' news media availability at their team hotel Wednesday, one question was threatening to drown out any other: Where is Jeremy Shockey?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "threatening question" when you want to emphasize the intimidating or coercive nature of a question, particularly when the intent is to cause fear or unease.

Common error

Avoid using "threatening question" when the question is merely challenging or difficult, but not intended to instill fear. Ensure a genuine element of intimidation is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threatening question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "threatening" modifies the noun "question". It describes the quality or nature of the question being asked.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threatening question" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe an inquiry designed to intimidate or coerce. While Ludwig AI indicates its correct and acceptable usage, the phrase's frequency is currently rare in the provided data. Alternatives like "intimidating question" or "menacing inquiry" offer similar connotations. It is crucial to reserve the use of "threatening question" for instances where a clear intent to instill fear is evident, distinguishing it from merely challenging or aggressive inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimidating question

Replaces "threatening" with a synonym that conveys a sense of fear or apprehension.

menacing inquiry

Uses a more formal and severe term for "question", highlighting the potential danger.

aggressive question

Focuses on the forceful and confrontational nature of the question.

hostile question

Emphasizes the antagonistic intent behind the question.

intimidatory interrogation

Substitutes both words to convey a more formal and legally charged scenario.

coercive questioning

Highlights the element of pressure or force implied in the questioning.

bullying question

Directly accuses the question of being used to intimidate or dominate.

intimidating line of questioning

Refers to a series of questions designed to make someone feel threatened.

a question designed to intimidate

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the intent behind the question.

an unsettling question

Highlights the emotional impact and unease the question generates.

FAQs

How can I identify a "threatening question"?

A "threatening question" is designed to intimidate or coerce the recipient, often implying negative consequences for certain answers. It goes beyond simple inquiry and aims to instill fear or unease.

What's the difference between a "threatening question" and an aggressive question?

While both can be confrontational, a "threatening question" implies harm or negative repercussions, whereas an "aggressive question" is simply forceful or challenging.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "threatening question" in writing?

Use "threatening question" when the context involves intimidation, coercion, or a clear intent to make someone feel uneasy or fearful through questioning. Avoid it in neutral or purely inquisitive scenarios.

What are some alternatives to "threatening question" that still convey a sense of unease?

Consider alternatives like "intimidating question", "menacing inquiry", or "unsettling question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.