unexpected question

USAGE SUMMARY

"unexpected question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a question that is surprising or not expected. Example: When I asked for a raise, my boss’s response was an unexpected question about my recent accomplishments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

This raises an unexpected question for private philanthropy.

The New York Times

And in March 2002, that court raised an unexpected question: was this tax break constitutional?

The New York Times

A moment of pause, an unexpected question when it appears or a laugh that erupts.

Harvard Business Review

WHEN the prisons department recently advertised for hangmen, several shortlisted hopefuls asked an unexpected question of its board of interviewers: What, pray, would they be expected to do?

The Economist

With his unexpected question, he directly challenged the assumption that a doctor's advice is always in a patient's best interest, particularly regarding a medical problem late in life.

The Washington Post

At first i thought this was a trick to throw me off guard, that once I had relaxed they would throw an unexpected question at me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Unexpected questions and loud noises threw him off.

The New York Times - Books

Then, as the evening was winding down, unexpected questions started popping up.

The New York Times

He thrived when he could ad-lib, fielding unexpected questions or pursuing spontaneous flights of fancy.

The New York Times - Arts

Do you believe in yourself?' Surprised to hear the unexpected questions, I couldn't answer him.

Yale University

Along the way, the book answers some often unexpected questions: Why is Hollywood nervous about flying saucers?

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, the phrase is useful to underscore gaps in research or to introduce novel lines of inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected question" when you actually mean an irrelevant or unrelated question. An unexpected question can still be relevant, but it's the surprise factor that makes it unexpected, not necessarily its lack of connection to the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies the noun "question". It describes a particular attribute of the question, highlighting its surprising or unanticipated nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is common in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected question" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a query that arises surprisingly or deviates from the anticipated course. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is well-established in English writing. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. Related phrases include "surprising inquiry" and "unforeseen query", offering alternative ways to express the same idea. To use it effectively, ensure it truly reflects the surprise element and isn't simply a synonym for "irrelevant" or "difficult". By considering these nuances, you can wield "unexpected question" with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unanticipated question

Substitutes "unexpected" with "unanticipated", emphasizing the lack of prior expectation for the question.

surprising inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and "unexpected" with "surprising", both synonyms that describe a question that causes surprise.

unforeseen query

Uses "query" as a substitute for "question" and "unforeseen" instead of "unexpected", implying the question was not anticipated.

surprise question

Highlights the element of surprise associated with the question.

unusual inquiry

Uses "inquiry" instead of "question" and "unusual" to highlight the question's deviation from the norm.

peculiar question

Implies the question is strange or unusual, leading to its unexpected nature.

out-of-the-blue question

Idiomatic expression suggesting the question appeared suddenly and without warning.

odd question

Emphasizes the strangeness or peculiarity of the question, making it unexpected.

random question

Implies the question was asked without any specific pattern or predictability, emphasizing its unexpected nature.

offbeat question

Suggests the question is unconventional or quirky, hence not what one would expect.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected question" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpected question" to describe a query that arises suddenly or is surprising in its context. For example, "The lawyer posed an unexpected question during the cross-examination."

What is another way to say "unexpected question"?

Alternatives include "surprising inquiry", "unforeseen query", or "unanticipated question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to ask "unexpected questions" or "difficult questions"?

The choice depends on your goal. "Unexpected questions" aim to surprise or reveal hidden assumptions, while "difficult questions"/"challenging questions" aim to test knowledge or understanding.

What makes a question "unexpected"?

A question is considered "unexpected" if it deviates from the anticipated line of inquiry, arises from an unanticipated source, or reveals surprising assumptions.