what a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise, admiration, or contemplation regarding a question that has been asked. Example: "When she asked about the implications of artificial intelligence on society, I thought to myself, what a question!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Wow, what a question!

The New York Times

"What a question!" he said.

The New York Times

"What a question!

The Times

Ah, fucking hell what a question.

The Guardian - Sport

"What a question!" I lobbed back.

The Guardian - Music

What a question to ask in Sydney?' Claire retorts.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

What a great question!

The New York Times - Science

Wow – what a hard question!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What a ridiculous question.

The Washington Post

What a wonderful question!

The New York Times - Books

What a stupid question.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a question" when you want to express surprise, challenge, or contemplation regarding a question. It can be used rhetorically or sincerely, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "what a question" in highly formal or professional settings where a more direct or analytical response is expected. Opt for a more professional alternative like "that's an interesting point".

Linguistic Context

"What a question" functions as an interjection or exclamation. It expresses a reaction to a question that has been posed. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase can convey surprise, admiration, or challenge depending on context, as illustrated by various examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what a question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to react to a question. According to Ludwig AI, it serves primarily as an interjection to convey surprise, admiration, or challenge. While versatile, its use should be moderated in formal or professional contexts, opting for more analytical alternatives. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media sources. When writing, consider the register and intent to use this phrase effectively and avoid overuse in situations that demand direct responses or deeper examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Now that's a question

Adds emphasis to the question being noteworthy.

That's an interesting question

Suggests the question is thought-provoking.

That's quite a query

Replaces "question" with "query" and uses "quite" to soften the tone.

That's a complex question

Highlights the complicated nature of the question.

That's a profound question

Indicates the question delves into deeper, more significant issues.

That's a loaded question

Indicates the question is designed to elicit a particular response or contains an assumption.

What an inquiry

Formally substitutes "question" with "inquiry".

That's a tough one

Highlights the difficulty in answering the question.

What a conundrum

Expresses that the question is also a puzzle.

That's a real head-scratcher

Highlights that the question is difficult to answer or understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "what a question" to express surprise or contemplation. For example, "When asked about the meaning of life, I thought, what a question!" It can also be used rhetorically to challenge the question itself.

What's a more formal alternative to "what a question"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "that's an interesting question" or "that's a complex question". These options provide a more analytical tone.

Is "what a question" appropriate in academic writing?

While "what a question" is grammatically correct, it's generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and analytical language to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says "what a question"?

When someone says "what a question", they are often expressing that the question is either very profound, very difficult, or perhaps even somewhat naive, depending on the context and their tone.