A2 noun #1,000 am häufigsten 5 Min. Lesezeit

質問

Something you ask to get information.

shitsumon

Explanation at your level:

Hello! The word 'question' is like when you want to know something. You ask a question to find out. For example, you can ask, 'What is your name?' That is a question! It helps you learn new things about people or places. You use questions when you are curious and want an answer.

A 'question' is a sentence or phrase used to ask for information. When you don't know something, you ask a question to get the answer. For example, 'What time is it?' is a question. People ask questions to understand things better or to start a conversation. You can ask a question about anything you are curious about.

The noun 'question' refers to an inquiry or a request for information. It's a fundamental tool for learning and communication. You might ask a question to clarify a point, seek advice, or simply engage in conversation. For instance, 'Do you have any questions about the plan?' is a common way to check understanding. Questions drive discussions and help resolve uncertainties.

A 'question' is an interrogative statement or phrase used to elicit information or provoke thought. It can range from a simple query to a complex inquiry. Native speakers often use phrases like 'raise a question' to introduce a point of discussion or 'beyond question' to express certainty. Understanding the context helps determine the formality and purpose of the question being asked.

The term 'question' encompasses not only direct requests for information but also rhetorical devices and prompts for deeper consideration. It can be used to challenge assumptions ('That's a debatable question') or to highlight a crucial point ('The central question remains unanswered'). Its versatility allows it to function in academic discourse, critical analysis, and nuanced social interactions, often carrying implications beyond the literal words.

In its broadest sense, 'question' denotes an act of inquiry, investigation, or challenge. Etymologically rooted in the Latin 'quaerere' (to seek), it signifies a fundamental human drive for knowledge. Beyond its literal meaning, 'question' can symbolize doubt, uncertainty, or a point of contention, as seen in phrases like 'a question mark over the future'. Its usage spans from precise legal interrogatives to philosophical quandaries, reflecting its deep significance in intellectual and social history.

Wort in 30 Sekunden

  • A 'question' is a way to seek information.
  • It's a countable noun, plural 'questions'.
  • Common phrases: 'ask a question', 'answer a question'.
  • Can be used formally ('inquiry') or informally.

Hey there! Let's dive into the word 'question'. It's a super common word, and you probably use it all the time without even thinking about it! Basically, a question is your way of reaching out to get more information. Think of it as a verbal key that unlocks knowledge. When you have something you're curious about, or something you don't understand, you form a question to get the answers you need.

It's not just about asking 'what' or 'why'; questions can be used in so many ways. You might ask a question to check someone's understanding, to start a conversation, or even to gently challenge an idea. The beauty of a question lies in its power to initiate dialogue and learning. It’s the starting point for discovery, whether you’re a student in a classroom, a detective on a case, or just chatting with a friend.

So, next time you ask something, remember you're not just speaking words; you're actively seeking to understand the world around you. It’s a fundamental part of how we learn and connect with each other. Keep those curious minds asking!

The word 'question' has a fascinating journey through history! It comes to us from Latin, specifically from the word 'quaestio', which meant 'a seeking, inquiry, or a subject for discussion'. This, in turn, comes from the verb 'quaerere', meaning 'to seek, to ask, to inquire'. Can you see the connection? It’s all about that active seeking!

In medieval times, a 'question' often referred to a formal inquiry or an investigation, especially in legal or academic settings. Think of scholars debating a 'question' or a judge asking 'questions' during a trial. This formal sense still exists today, but the word has also broadened to cover everyday inquiries. It's amazing how a word can evolve from a specific, formal act of seeking to the casual 'Can I ask you a question?' we use daily.

Interestingly, many languages have similar roots for 'question' that point back to this idea of seeking or asking. For instance, French has 'question', Italian 'questione', and Spanish 'cuestión'. This shared ancestry highlights just how universal the act of asking and inquiring is across human cultures. So, the next time you ask a question, you're participating in a linguistic tradition that's thousands of years old!

The word 'question' is incredibly versatile! You'll hear it used in almost every situation, from casual chats to formal presentations. The key is understanding the context and the intention behind the question.

Let's look at some common pairings, called collocations. We often 'ask a question', 'answer a question', or 'raise a question'. You might also 'pose a question', which sounds a bit more formal, perhaps in a debate or a research setting. If something is unclear, you might 'have a question about...' something. Sometimes, a question can be so important or controversial that it becomes a 'burning question' or a 'key question'.

Formality plays a big role. In a casual chat, you might just blurt out a question. But in a formal meeting, you might wait for your turn and say, 'I have a question regarding the budget.' You can also use it to express doubt or uncertainty, like 'That's a good question,' meaning 'I'm not sure about that either.' Understanding these nuances helps you use 'question' like a native speaker!

English is full of colorful expressions, and 'question' is part of quite a few! These idioms add a bit of flair and deeper meaning to our language.

  • 'A question of time': This means something is certain to happen eventually, it's just a matter of when. Example: It's only a question of time before they win the championship.
  • 'Beyond question': This signifies something that is absolutely certain or undeniable. Example: Her dedication to the project is beyond question.
  • 'Food for thought': While not directly using 'question', this phrase often arises from a question or a point that makes you think deeply. Example: The speaker's final remarks were real food for thought.
  • 'The question is...': This is used to introduce the main point or the central issue that needs to be addressed. Example: The question is, how do we fund this initiative?
  • 'Ask the question that matters': This encourages someone to inquire about the most important or crucial aspect of a situation. Example: Instead of worrying about small details, ask the question that matters.
  • 'No question about it': Similar to 'beyond question', this emphasizes certainty. Example: He's the best candidate, no question about it.

Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of 'question'. As a noun, it's usually countable, meaning we can have one question or many questions. So, the plural form is simply 'questions'.

When we talk about a specific question, we use the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'the question you asked'). If we're introducing any question, we might use 'a' (e.g., 'Can I ask a question?'). However, often we use it without an article in phrases like 'It's a question of time'.

Pronunciation can be a bit tricky! In British English, it's often pronounced /'kwes.tʃən/, with the 't' sounding like 'ch'. In American English, it's very similar, perhaps slightly more emphasis on the 'ch' sound: /'kwɛs.tʃən/. A common mistake is to pronounce the 'ti' as a clear 'tee', but it's more of a 'ch' sound. Rhyming words are few, but words ending in '-tion' like 'action', 'nation', or 'station' share a similar ending sound.

Fun Fact

In medieval universities, a 'quaestio' was a specific problem or topic debated by scholars.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkwɛs.tʃən/

Sounds like 'KWESS-chun'. The 'ch' sound is soft, like in 'church'.

US /ˈkwɛs.tʃən/

Very similar to UK, often pronounced 'KWESS-chun'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing 'ti' as /ti/ instead of /tʃən/.
  • Adding an extra syllable, making it sound like 'quest-ee-on'.
  • Misplacing stress, e.g., stressing the second syllable.

Rhymes With

mention pension tension intention convention

Difficulty Rating

Lesen 2/5

Common word, easy to read.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write, but correct usage needs attention.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce and use in basic sentences.

Hören 2/5

Very common, easily recognizable.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ask what where when why how who

Learn Next

inquire query riddle interrogate statement answer

Fortgeschritten

interrogative rhetorical epistemology ontology

Grammar to Know

Forming Yes/No Questions

Is it raining? Do you like coffee? Can they help?

Using Wh- Questions

What is this? Where are you going? Why did he leave?

Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns

A question (countable) vs. information (uncountable).

Examples by Level

1

What is your name?

What = 何, is = です, your = あなたの, name = 名前

Starts with 'What' to ask for information.

2

Can I have water?

Can = できますか, I = 私, have = 持つ, water = 水

Uses 'Can I' to make a polite request.

3

Where is the park?

Where = どこ, is = です, the = その, park = 公園

'Where' is used to ask about location.

4

Is this a book?

Is = ですか, this = これ, a = 一つの, book = 本

Starts with 'Is' to ask a yes/no question.

5

How are you?

How = どのように, are = です, you = あなた

'How are you?' is a common greeting question.

6

Who is she?

Who = 誰, is = です, she = 彼女

'Who' is used to ask about a person.

7

Why is it red?

Why = なぜ, is = です, it = それ, red = 赤い

'Why' is used to ask for a reason.

8

Do you like pizza?

Do = しますか, you = あなた, like = 好む, pizza = ピザ

'Do you' is used to ask about preferences.

1

Could you tell me the time?

Could = できますか, you = あなた, tell = 教える, me = 私に, the = その, time = 時間

Uses 'Could you' for a polite request.

2

What is the capital of France?

What = 何, is = です, the = その, capital = 首都, of = の, France = フランス

Asking for a specific piece of factual information.

3

Have you finished your homework?

Have = ありますか, you = あなた, finished = 終えた, your = あなたの, homework = 宿題

Present perfect tense used for a completed action.

4

When does the train leave?

When = いつ, does = しますか, the = その, train = 電車, leave = 出発する

'When' asks about time.

5

Is there a bank near here?

Is = ありますか, there = そこに, a = 一つの, bank = 銀行, near = 近く, here = ここ

'Is there' is used to ask about existence.

6

What do you think about this movie?

What = 何, do = しますか, you = あなた, think = 考える, about = ~について, this = この, movie = 映画

Asking for an opinion.

7

Can you help me with this bag?

Can = できますか, you = あなた, help = 手伝う, me = 私を, with = ~で, this = この, bag = バッグ

Asking for assistance.

8

Why did you choose that color?

Why = なぜ, did = しましたか, you = あなた, choose = 選ぶ, that = その, color = 色

Asking for the reason behind a past action.

1

Could you possibly recommend a good restaurant around here?

Could = できますか, you = あなた, possibly = もしかしたら, recommend = 推薦する, a = 一つの, good = 良い, restaurant = レストラン, around = ~の近く, here = ここ

Uses modal verbs ('Could') and adverbs ('possibly') for politeness and nuance.

2

What are your thoughts on the new proposal?

What = 何, are = です, your = あなたの, thoughts = 考え, on = ~について, the = その, new = 新しい, proposal = 提案

Asking for an opinion or perspective.

3

Have you considered the potential risks involved?

Have = ありますか, you = あなた, considered = 考慮した, the = その, potential = 潜在的な, risks = リスク, involved = 含まれる

Present perfect continuous implies ongoing consideration.

4

When is the deadline for submitting the assignment?

When = いつ, is = です, the = その, deadline = 締め切り, for = ~のために, submitting = 提出する, the = その, assignment = 課題

Asking for specific temporal information.

5

Is it feasible to complete this project within the given timeframe?

Is = ですか, it = それ, feasible = 実現可能, to = ~すること, complete = 完成させる, this = この, project = プロジェクト, within = ~以内に, the = その, given = 与えられた, timeframe = 期間

Uses 'feasible' and 'timeframe' for a more formal context.

6

What is the main reason behind this decision?

What = 何, is = です, the = その, main = 主要な, reason = 理由, behind = ~の後ろに, this = この, decision = 決定

Seeking the core justification for an action.

7

Can we explore alternative solutions to this problem?

Can = できますか, we = 私たち, explore = 探求する, alternative = 代替の, solutions = 解決策, to = ~への, this = この, problem = 問題

Suggesting exploration and collaboration.

8

Why do you think this approach might be more effective?

Why = なぜ, do = しますか, you = あなた, think = 考える, this = この, approach = アプローチ, might = かもしれない, be = である, more = より, effective = 効果的

Asking for justification using modal verb 'might'.

1

Could you elaborate on the implications of this policy change?

Could = できますか, you = あなた, elaborate = 詳細に説明する, on = ~について, the = その, implications = 影響, of = ~の, this = この, policy = 方針, change = 変更

'Elaborate on' is a phrasal verb meaning to explain in detail.

2

What is your perspective on the current economic climate?

What = 何, is = です, your = あなたの, perspective = 見方, on = ~について, the = その, current = 現在の, economic = 経済の, climate = 情勢

'Perspective' implies a viewpoint or outlook.

3

Have you given sufficient consideration to the long-term consequences?

Have = ありますか, you = あなた, given = 与えた, sufficient = 十分な, consideration = 考慮, to = ~に, the = その, long-term = 長期的な, consequences = 結果

Uses 'sufficient consideration' for a more formal tone.

4

When can we expect a definitive answer regarding the funding allocation?

When = いつ, can = できますか, we = 私たち, expect = 期待する, a = 一つの, definitive = 決定的な, answer = 回答, regarding = ~に関して, the = その, funding = 資金調達, allocation = 配分

'Definitive' means final and conclusive.

5

Is it justifiable to proceed with the project given the ethical concerns?

Is = ですか, it = それ, justifiable = 正当化できる, to = ~すること, proceed = 進める, with = ~で, the = その, project = プロジェクト, given = ~を考慮すると, the = その, ethical = 倫理的な, concerns = 懸念

'Justifiable' and 'ethical concerns' point to a complex decision.

6

What factors contribute to the perceived success or failure of such initiatives?

What = 何, factors = 要因, contribute = 貢献する, to = ~に, the = その, perceived = 知覚された, success = 成功, or = または, failure = 失敗, of = ~の, such = このような, initiatives = イニシアチブ

Asking about underlying causes for outcomes.

7

Can we ascertain the underlying causes of this recurring issue?

Can = できますか, we = 私たち, ascertain = 確認する, the = その, underlying = 根本的な, causes = 原因, of = ~の, this = この, recurring = 再発する, issue = 問題

'Ascertain' means to find out for certain.

8

Why might certain cultural perspectives hinder effective cross-cultural communication?

Why = なぜ, might = かもしれない, certain = 特定の, cultural = 文化的な, perspectives = 見方, hinder = 妨げる, effective = 効果的な, cross-cultural = 異文化間の, communication = コミュニケーション

Exploring reasons for communication difficulties, using 'hinder'.

1

Could you expound upon the theoretical underpinnings of your methodology?

Could = できますか, you = あなた, expound = 詳細に説明する, upon = ~について, the = その, theoretical = 理論的な, underpinnings = 基礎, of = ~の, your = あなたの, methodology = 方法論

'Expound upon' and 'theoretical underpinnings' are academic terms.

2

What is your assessment of the geopolitical ramifications stemming from this event?

What = 何, is = です, your = あなたの, assessment = 評価, of = ~の, the = その, geopolitical = 地政学的な, ramifications = 影響, stemming = 生じる, from = ~から, this = この, event = イベント

'Ramifications' suggests complex, far-reaching effects.

3

Have due diligence and risk mitigation strategies been adequately addressed in the contingency planning?

Have = ありますか, due = 当然の, diligence = 注意, and = そして, risk = リスク, mitigation = 緩和, strategies = 戦略, been = ~されている, adequately = 十分に, addressed = 対処された, in = ~で, the = その, contingency = 緊急時の, planning = 計画

Uses formal business terms like 'due diligence' and 'mitigation strategies'.

4

When might we anticipate the paradigm shift necessary for sustainable innovation?

When = いつ, might = かもしれない, we = 私たち, anticipate = 予期する, the = その, paradigm = パラダイム, shift = 転換, necessary = 必要な, for = ~のための, sustainable = 持続可能な, innovation = イノベーション

'Paradigm shift' refers to a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.

5

Is the current regulatory framework sufficiently robust to preclude fraudulent activities?

Is = ですか, the = その, current = 現在の, regulatory = 規制の, framework = フレームワーク, sufficiently = 十分に, robust = 強固な, to = ~すること, preclude = 排除する, fraudulent = 不正な, activities = 活動

'Robust', 'preclude', and 'fraudulent activities' are precise legal/financial terms.

6

What are the salient characteristics that differentiate this artistic movement from its predecessors?

What = 何, are = です, the = その, salient = 顕著な, characteristics = 特徴, that = ~する, differentiate = 区別する, this = この, artistic = 芸術的な, movement = 運動, from = ~から, its = その, predecessors = 前任者

'Salient characteristics' and 'predecessors' are used for comparative analysis.

7

Can we extrapolate the potential societal impact based on these preliminary findings?

Can = できますか, we = 私たち, extrapolate = 外挿する, the = その, potential = 潜在的な, societal = 社会的な, impact = 影響, based = ~に基づいて, on = ~で, these = これらの, preliminary = 事前の, findings = 結果

'Extrapolate' means to infer from known information.

8

Why might historical precedents offer limited guidance in navigating novel contemporary challenges?

Why = なぜ, might = かもしれない, historical = 歴史的な, precedents = 先例, offer = 提供する, limited = 限定された, guidance = 指導, in = ~で, navigating = 航行する, novel = 新しい, contemporary = 現代の, challenges = 課題

Discusses the limitations of historical examples for current issues.

1

Could you expound upon the philosophical underpinnings that inform your critique of utilitarianism?

Could = できますか, you = あなた, expound = 詳細に説明する, upon = ~について, the = その, philosophical = 哲学的な, underpinnings = 基礎, that = ~する, inform = 知らせる, your = あなたの, critique = 批評, of = ~の, utilitarianism = 功利主義

Uses highly specialized academic vocabulary related to philosophy.

2

What is your hermeneutic interpretation of the text's inherent ambiguities?

What = 何, is = です, your = あなたの, hermeneutic = 解釈学的な, interpretation = 解釈, of = ~の, the = その, text's = テキストの, inherent = 固有の, ambiguities = 曖昧さ

'Hermeneutic interpretation' relates to the theory and practice of interpretation.

3

Have the ontological assumptions underpinning the scientific method been rigorously interrogated?

Have = ありますか, the = その, ontological = 存在論的な, assumptions = 仮定, underpinning = ~の基礎となる, the = その, scientific = 科学的な, method = 方法, been = ~されている, rigorously = 厳密に, interrogated = 尋問された

Focuses on deep philosophical concepts like ontology and epistemology.

4

When might we anticipate the epistemological rupture required to transcend current theoretical limitations?

When = いつ, might = かもしれない, we = 私たち, anticipate = 予期する, the = その, epistemological = 認識論的な, rupture = 断絶, required = 必要な, to = ~すること, transcend = 超越する, current = 現在の, theoretical = 理論的な, limitations = 限界

'Epistemological rupture' signifies a radical change in the understanding of knowledge.

5

Is the teleological argument sufficiently persuasive to counter existential nihilism?

Is = ですか, the = その, teleological = 目的論的な, argument = 論証, sufficiently = 十分に, persuasive = 説得力のある, to = ~すること, counter = 反論する, existential = 実存的な, nihilism = ニヒリズム

Uses advanced philosophical terms like 'teleological' and 'nihilism'.

6

What are the salient phenomenological characteristics that distinguish subjective consciousness from objective reality?

What = 何, are = です, the = その, salient = 顕著な, phenomenological = 現象学的な, characteristics = 特徴, that = ~する, distinguish = 区別する, subjective = 主観的な, consciousness = 意識, from = ~から, objective = 客観的な, reality = 現実

'Phenomenological' relates to the study of conscious experience.

7

Can we dialectically synthesize the opposing viewpoints to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding?

Can = できますか, we = 私たち, dialectically = 弁証法的に, synthesize = 統合する, the = その, opposing = 対立する, viewpoints = 見解, to = ~すること, arrive = 到達する, at = ~で, a = 一つの, more = より, comprehensive = 包括的な, understanding = 理解

'Dialectically synthesize' refers to resolving conflict through reasoned argument.

8

Why might the concept of intersubjectivity serve as a foundational query for constructing shared meaning?

Why = なぜ, might = かもしれない, the = その, concept = 概念, of = ~の, intersubjectivity = 間主観性, serve = 役立つ, as = ~として, a = 一つの, foundational = 基礎的な, query = 問い, for = ~のための, constructing = 構築する, shared = 共有された, meaning = 意味

'Intersubjectivity' relates to shared consciousness and understanding.

Häufige Kollokationen

ask a question
answer a question
raise a question
pose a question
burning question
key question
difficult question
simple question
question mark
question time
out of question
beyond question

Idioms & Expressions

"a question of time"

Something that is certain to happen eventually.

It's only a question of time before they discover the truth.

neutral

"beyond question"

Undeniably true; absolutely certain.

His skill as a musician is beyond question.

neutral

"food for thought"

Something that makes you think seriously about a particular subject.

The documentary provided plenty of food for thought about climate change.

neutral

"the question is"

Used to introduce the main point or issue that needs to be considered.

The question is, how do we implement this plan effectively?

neutral

"out of the question"

Impossible or not allowed.

Taking a break right now is completely out of the question.

neutral

"ask the right questions"

To inquire about the most important or relevant aspects of a situation.

To solve this problem, we need to ask the right questions.

neutral

Easily Confused

質問 vs inquire

Both relate to asking for information.

'Inquire' is often more formal and suggests a systematic or official seeking of information. 'Ask' is the general verb, and 'question' is the noun form of the inquiry itself.

I need to <strong>inquire</strong> about the status of my application. (Formal) Can I <strong>ask</strong> you a question about the report? (General) He had one final <strong>question</strong> regarding the deadline. (The noun)

質問 vs query

Both are types of questions.

'Query' often refers to a specific, often brief, question, especially in a database context or a formal communication channel. 'Question' is broader.

I submitted a <strong>query</strong> to customer service about my order. The teacher asked if anyone had any <strong>questions</strong>.

質問 vs interrogate

Both involve asking questions.

'Interrogate' implies intense, often forceful or official questioning, usually by authorities (like police). It carries a negative connotation of pressure, unlike a simple 'question'.

The detective had to <strong>interrogate</strong> the witness. The students were allowed to <strong>ask</strong> the author questions about her book.

質問 vs statement

They are opposites in a conversation.

A 'question' seeks information, while a 'statement' provides information. They are functionally antonyms in dialogue.

<strong>Question:</strong> 'What time is it?' <strong>Statement:</strong> 'It is three o'clock.'

Sentence Patterns

A1-C2

Subject + ask + a/the + question

She asked a question about the homework.

A2-C2

Subject + have + a/the + question + about + noun/pronoun

I have a question about the new policy.

B1-C2

Is/Are + there + a/the + question?

Is there a question regarding the budget?

B2-C2

beyond + question

His honesty is beyond question.

A2-C2

a + adjective + question

It was a difficult question to answer.

Wortfamilie

Nouns

question An act of asking for information; a sentence or phrase used to ask for information.
questioner A person who asks questions.
questionnaire A set of printed or written questions, typically one submitted by a researcher to a number of people, to gather information.

Verbs

question To ask (someone) anטורקish question; to express doubts about the truth or validity of (something).

Adjectives

questionable Doubtful; open to question.

Verwandt

inquire Synonym, often more formal.
ask General verb for posing a question.
interrogate Stronger, more formal questioning.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

Interrogation (most formal, often negative) Inquiry, Probe (formal, official) Query (neutral to formal) Question (neutral, versatile) Riddle, Puzzle (informal, playful)

Häufige Fehler

Using 'question' as a verb directly like 'to question something'. Use 'to question' as a verb meaning 'to doubt' or 'to ask about'. Use 'ask a question' for the act of posing an inquiry.
While 'question' can be a verb, its meaning differs. 'He questioned the decision' means he doubted it. 'He asked a question about the decision' means he sought clarification.
Pronouncing 'question' as 'quest-ee-on'. Pronounce it as 'kwes-chun' (/'kwɛs.tʃən/). The 'ti' sound becomes a 'ch' sound.
This is a common phonetic assimilation in English where 'ti' before a vowel often sounds like 'ch'.
Confusing 'question' with 'answer'. 'Question' is what you ask; 'answer' is the response.
These are antonyms and represent opposite actions in a dialogue.
Using 'a question' when referring to a specific, known question. Use 'the question' when referring to a specific question already mentioned or understood.
This follows the general rule for 'a' vs 'the' articles.
Saying 'make a question' instead of 'ask a question'. The correct collocation is 'ask a question'.
This is a fixed phrase; 'make' is not used in this context.

Tips

💡

Sound Association

Link the sound 'quest' in 'question' to the idea of going on a 'quest' for information.

💡

Vary Your Questions

Use different question words (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How) and structures (e.g., 'Could you...?', 'Have you...?) to make your communication more dynamic.

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Observe Native Speakers

Pay attention to when and how native speakers ask questions in different social situations. Notice their tone and body language.

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Article Check

Remember to use 'a question' for any general question and 'the question' for a specific one you've already mentioned or is understood.

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The 'CH' Sound

Practice the 'ch' sound in 'question' (/tʃən/). It's a key feature distinguishing it from similar-sounding words.

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Verb vs. Noun

Be mindful of the difference between the verb 'to question' (to doubt) and the noun 'a question' (an inquiry).

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Medieval Debates

In the Middle Ages, a 'quaestio' was a formal academic problem debated by scholars, showing the word's long history in intellectual life.

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Question Everything!

Actively try to turn statements into questions in your study materials. This reinforces understanding and improves recall.

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Formal vs. Informal

Use 'pose a question' or 'inquiry' in formal settings, and simply 'ask a question' in everyday conversations.

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Build Related Words

Learn 'questioner' (the asker) and 'questionnaire' (a list of questions) to expand your vocabulary around this concept.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'QUEST' to find the 'ION' (information) you need. The word 'quest' sounds like 'question'.

Visual Association

Imagine a detective holding a magnifying glass, looking closely at a piece of paper with a large question mark on it.

Word Web

inquiry curiosity doubt information answer investigation dialogue problem curiosity

Herausforderung

Try asking three different people a question today and note down their answers.

Wortherkunft

Latin

Original meaning: A seeking, inquiry, subject for discussion (from 'quaestio', related to 'quaerere' meaning 'to seek, ask').

Kultureller Kontext

While generally positive, excessive questioning can sometimes be perceived as challenging authority or being intrusive, depending on the cultural norms and the specific situation.

Asking questions is highly valued in English-speaking cultures, especially in educational and professional settings, as it shows engagement and a desire to learn. However, the appropriateness of when and how to ask can depend on the specific context and relationship between speakers.

The phrase 'To be or not to be, that is the question' from Shakespeare's Hamlet. The song 'Who Wants to Live Forever?' by Queen poses existential questions. 'Ask questions of the living, not the dead' - a common saying emphasizing practical concerns.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Classroom/Education

  • May I ask a question?
  • I have a question about this.
  • Does anyone have any questions?

Workplace/Meetings

  • I'd like to raise a question regarding...
  • What is your question?
  • That's a good question.

Everyday Conversation

  • Can I ask you something?
  • Just a quick question...
  • What's the question?

Formal Inquiry/Investigation

  • The inquiry focused on several key questions.
  • He was asked a series of questions.
  • Beyond question, the evidence is clear.

Conversation Starters

"What's the most interesting question you've been asked recently?"

"If you could ask any historical figure one question, who would it be and what would you ask?"

"What's a question you often wonder about but never seem to find the answer to?"

"What's the best question someone has ever asked you?"

"Do you think it's more important to ask good questions or give good answers?"

Journal Prompts

Write down three questions you have about your future.

What is a question you've been afraid to ask someone, and why?

Reflect on a time when asking a question led to an important discovery or change in your life.

What is a question you wish people would ask you more often?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

8 Fragen

'Ask' is the general verb for posing any kind of question. 'Question' can be a noun (the thing you ask) or a verb meaning to doubt or challenge something.

Yes, 'to question' means to ask for information, but more often it means to doubt the truth or validity of something, or to challenge it.

It means something is impossible or not allowed under any circumstances.

It's pronounced /'kwɛs.tʃən/, sounding like 'KWESS-chun'. The 'ti' makes a 'ch' sound.

It's countable. You can have one question or many questions.

'Inquiry' is often a more formal or systematic process of asking questions, especially in official investigations.

No, the correct phrase is 'ask a question'. 'Make' is not used in this collocation.

It means something is absolutely certain and cannot be doubted.

Teste dich selbst

fill blank A1

Can I ask a ______?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: question

'Ask a question' is the correct phrase for posing an inquiry.

multiple choice A2

Which word means something you ask to get information?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Question

A question is used to seek information.

true false B1

A 'burning question' is a question that is literally on fire.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Falsch

A 'burning question' is an idiom meaning a very important or urgent question.

match pairs B1

Word

Bedeutung

All matched!

Matching the action or type of inquiry with its definition.

sentence order B2

Tippe auf die Wörter unten, um den Satz zu bilden
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

The correct sentence is 'I have a question about the project.'

fill blank B2

Her dedication to the cause is beyond ______.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: question

'Beyond question' means undeniably true or certain.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best describes a 'riddle'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: A difficult or puzzling question

A riddle is a question designed to be tricky or puzzling.

true false C1

The verb 'to question' always means to ask for information.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Falsch

The verb 'to question' can also mean to doubt or challenge something.

fill blank C2

The philosopher's ______ explored the fundamental nature of reality.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: inquiry

'Inquiry' fits best for a deep, philosophical exploration.

sentence order C2

Tippe auf die Wörter unten, um den Satz zu bilden
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

The correct sentence is 'Could you expound upon the theoretical underpinnings?'

Ergebnis: /10

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