turn the question around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn the question around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to rephrase or redirect a question to gain a different perspective or to challenge the original inquiry. Example: "Instead of answering directly, let me turn the question around and ask you what you think about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

If students asked me, I would turn the question around and ask them what they'd do.

The Guardian

Maybe we should turn the question around and ask why the images of Qaddafi's final moments make us so uneasy.

Stanford University

And, to turn the question around, how well did it warn readers before the roof fell in that a dangerous housing bubble was inflating on the strength of reckless lending?

The New York Times

Although it is still common to question how such corporations will change life in those markets, Western executives would be smart to turn the question around and ask how multinationals themselves will be transformed by these markets.

Harvard Business Review

Indeed, one could turn the question around and argue that there is absolutely no reason why the black white gap should be the same across different indicators of literacy.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Turn the question around: Why do they forget the languages they already know?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It's how can I help you?" The way she turns the question around may be a manifestation of her disease.

The New York Times

Instead of asking the famous author and teacher what he could do for the disabled, Vanier turned the question around, suggesting: "See if there is anything we can offer you". It is this philosophy, that a closely shared life has gifts for both the "helper" and the "helped," that flows through the world of L'Arche.

Los Angeles Times

McCain turned the question around.

The New Yorker

The second line of inquiry turns the question around.

University of California, Berkeley

He turned the question around: "I have six minutes per segment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn the question around" to encourage deeper reflection or challenge underlying assumptions, prompting a more nuanced discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "turn the question around" simply to evade answering; ensure the rephrasing adds value or new perspective to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn the question around" functions as an idiomatic expression used to redirect or rephrase a question, often to encourage a different perspective or to challenge the assumptions within the original inquiry. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turn the question around" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to rephrase or redirect a question, often to encourage deeper thinking or explore a different perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and useful in various contexts. While versatile, its appropriateness depends on the situation, with alternatives available for more formal settings. It's most frequently found in news and media, formal business, and academic contexts. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively employ this phrase to enhance discussions and foster critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rephrase the question

Focuses on altering the wording while maintaining the core inquiry.

reframe the question

Suggests changing the conceptual framing of the question.

invert the question

Implies a direct reversal of the question's perspective.

flip the question

Suggests a quick and informal reversal of the question.

reverse the question

Focuses on answering with the opposite assumption.

redirect the question

Implies guiding the discussion toward a different, related topic.

put the question back on you

Indicates returning the inquiry to the original questioner.

answer the question with a question

Involves responding to an inquiry with another inquiry.

shift the focus of the question

Indicates changing what aspect of the issue is being addressed.

approach the question from another angle

Implies examining the question from a different viewpoint or perspective.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "turn the question around" in a conversation?

Use "turn the question around" when you want to prompt deeper thinking or offer a new perspective. It's best used after actively listening to the original question and ensuring your rephrasing adds value, rather than simply avoiding the question. Alternatives include "rephrase the question" or "reframe the question".

What's the difference between "turn the question around" and "answer a question with a question"?

"Turn the question around" involves rephrasing the original inquiry to gain a different viewpoint, while "answer a question with a question" redirects the focus back to the person asking. Turning the question around seeks understanding, whereas answering with a question can be a rhetorical or evasive technique. You could "redirect the question" or "put the question back on you".

Is it ever inappropriate to "turn the question around"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if used to avoid answering directly, especially in situations requiring a straightforward response. It's also unsuitable when the questioner is seeking specific information or when the context demands transparency and directness. Instead try to "rephrase the question".

What are some alternative ways to say "turn the question around" in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, consider using more formal alternatives such as "reframe the question", "let's consider this from another angle", or "how might we approach this differently?" These options maintain a professional tone while still encouraging a shift in perspective. Try to "shift the focus of the question".