This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #293 most common 11 min read

question

Top 293

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips question in 30 Seconds

Explanation question in your Level:

At the A1 level, a 'question' is simply something you ask when you want to know something. You learn to use basic question words like Who, What, Where, When, and Why. You understand that a question usually ends with a question mark (?) and needs an answer. For example, 'What is your name?' is a question. You use this word to ask for help or to get simple information in a classroom or while traveling. It is one of the first words you learn because it is essential for basic communication. You might say, 'I have a question' if you don't understand the teacher.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'question' in more varied ways. You understand that it can be a noun (a question) or part of a phrase like 'ask a question.' You start to recognize that questions can be about more than just facts; they can be about opinions or feelings. You also learn to form more complex questions using auxiliary verbs like 'do,' 'does,' and 'did.' You might use the word in sentences like 'Can I ask you a personal question?' or 'That is a very good question.' You are also introduced to the idea of 'multiple-choice questions' in your English tests.

At the B1 level, you use 'question' to discuss topics and issues. You understand phrases like 'the question of...' (e.g., 'the question of money'). You can use the word to express doubt, such as 'There is no question that...' which means something is certain. You are also becoming familiar with common collocations like 'raise a question' or 'answer a question directly.' You can follow a discussion where several questions are being debated and can contribute your own questions to keep a conversation going. You understand the difference between a direct question and an indirect one.

At the B2 level, you use 'question' in more abstract and formal contexts. You understand idiomatic expressions like 'out of the question' (impossible) or 'call into question' (to doubt something). You can use the word to describe a complex problem or a matter that needs to be decided, such as 'The question is whether the government will change the law.' You are comfortable with the word in academic settings, where you might talk about a 'research question.' You also recognize the nuance between 'question' and synonyms like 'query' or 'inquiry' and can choose the appropriate one for the register you are using.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'question.' You use it to navigate complex legal, philosophical, or technical discussions. You understand the subtle difference between 'the question in hand' and 'the question at issue.' You can use the word to frame a persuasive argument, perhaps by posing a 'rhetorical question' to engage your audience. You are aware of the word's role in formal structures, such as 'question time' in a parliament or a 'formal inquiry.' Your use of the word is precise, and you can use it to express fine shades of doubt, certainty, or investigation in professional writing.

At the C2 level, 'question' is a tool you use with complete mastery. You understand its deepest philosophical implications—the 'existential question' or the 'ontological question.' You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as 'questioning the premises' of a complex theory. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses and can appreciate the word's use in literature and high-level rhetoric. You can navigate any conversation or text, no matter how abstract, where 'question' is used to define the boundaries of knowledge or the nature of truth. You use the word with total flexibility, moving between its literal and metaphorical meanings effortlessly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

question in 30 Seconds

A question is a request for information or a way to test knowledge.
It can also mean a topic, issue, or a point of doubt.
Commonly used with verbs like 'ask', 'answer', and 'raise'.
Essential for communication, education, law, and daily interaction.

At its most fundamental level, a question is a linguistic bridge between the unknown and the known. It is the primary tool humans use to gather data, clarify ambiguity, and engage in the social contract of conversation. In everyday life, we use questions to navigate our environment, from asking for directions to inquiring about a loved one's well-being. The word implies a gap in knowledge that the speaker wishes to fill. Beyond simple information gathering, a question can also serve as a rhetorical device, a challenge to authority, or a method of philosophical inquiry. When you pose a question, you are essentially inviting another person into a collaborative effort to reach a conclusion or provide a fact.

The Information Request: This is the most common use, where a speaker seeks a specific fact or piece of data, such as 'What time is it?' or 'Where is the library?'

The teacher asked a difficult question about the history of the French Revolution.

In professional settings, the term takes on a more formal tone. It might refer to a specific point of discussion in a meeting or a formal inquiry during a legal proceeding. Here, a question isn't just a sentence ending in a mark; it is a 'matter' or an 'issue' that requires resolution. For instance, 'The question of funding' refers to the unresolved problem of how to pay for a project. This versatility makes the word indispensable in both casual dialogue and complex academic discourse. It functions as both a noun for the sentence itself and a noun for the abstract concept of doubt or investigation.

The Philosophical Inquiry: In philosophy, a question often deals with the nature of existence or ethics, where there may not be a single 'correct' answer, but rather a series of explored possibilities.

There is no question that she is the best candidate for the job.

Furthermore, the word can express doubt or uncertainty. When someone says 'That is out of the question,' they mean it is impossible or not allowed. When we say something is 'beyond question,' we mean it is absolutely certain. This duality—being both a tool for seeking truth and a label for the truth itself—highlights the word's depth. Whether you are a student asking for help or a scientist questioning a long-held theory, you are participating in the essential human activity of questioning. It is the engine of progress and the heart of curiosity.

The Legal Context: In a courtroom, 'questioning' refers to the formal interrogation of a witness to establish facts or discredit testimony.

The detective had one final question for the suspect before concluding the interview.

Please raise your hand if you have a question during the presentation.

The question of climate change requires immediate global attention.

Using the word question correctly involves understanding its role as a countable noun in most contexts. You can have one question, two questions, or many questions. It frequently follows verbs like 'ask,' 'answer,' 'pose,' 'raise,' and 'field.' For example, a politician might 'field questions' from the press, meaning they are taking and responding to various inquiries. When you 'raise a question,' you are bringing up a topic for discussion or expressing a doubt that hasn't been mentioned yet.

Common Verb Pairings: Ask a question, answer a question, dodge a question, ignore a question, clarify a question.

I have a question about the homework assignment.

The word also appears in several fixed prepositional phrases. 'In question' refers to the thing being discussed or the thing that is under doubt. For instance, 'The man in question was seen leaving the building.' This means the specific man the police are talking about. 'Without question' acts as an adverbial phrase meaning 'certainly' or 'undoubtedly.' Understanding these nuances allows for more precise communication. You might also encounter 'pop the question,' which is an informal way of saying someone proposed marriage.

Prepositional Usage: The matter in question; a question about the rules; a question of time.

Whether we will succeed is a question of hard work and luck.

In academic writing, 'question' is often used to frame a thesis or a research problem. A 'research question' is the central point an essay or study aims to answer. It is more than just a simple query; it is a structured inquiry that guides the entire logical flow of a document. In this sense, the 'question' is the foundation of the work. Similarly, in a test or exam, each individual item to be answered is called a 'question,' even if it is a task like 'Describe the process of photosynthesis.'

Academic Context: The central question of this thesis explores the impact of social media on teenage mental health.

The exam consisted of fifty multiple-choice questions.

He avoided the question by changing the subject entirely.

The question remains: who will lead the team next year?

The word 'question' is ubiquitous, appearing in almost every facet of human interaction. In a classroom, it is the most frequent noun heard as teachers prompt students and students seek clarification. 'Any questions?' is the standard closing for almost every lecture or presentation worldwide. In this environment, the word represents the pursuit of knowledge and the validation of understanding. It is the primary currency of education.

'If you have a question, please don't hesitate to ask,' the professor said.

In the world of journalism and media, 'question' is a professional staple. Press conferences are essentially structured sessions of questioning. Reporters 'pepper' officials with questions, and the quality of a journalist is often judged by the 'toughness' of their questions. On news broadcasts, you will hear phrases like 'The question on everyone's mind is...' or 'That brings us to the question of safety.' Here, the word is used to frame the public's concerns and the narrative of the day's events.

Media Phrases: A burning question, a leading question, a loaded question, a follow-up question.

The reporter's question caught the politician off guard.

In legal and law enforcement contexts, the word is more serious and often carries a weight of authority. 'Questioning a suspect' is a formal procedure with specific legal protections. In a trial, lawyers 'examine' witnesses through a series of questions designed to reveal the truth or create doubt. You might hear a judge say, 'The question is relevant to the case,' or an attorney object to a 'leading question' (one that suggests the answer). In this sphere, the word is tied to justice and the rule of law.

The police took him in for questioning regarding the recent robbery.

Finally, in customer service and daily commerce, you hear the word constantly. 'Do you have any questions about the menu?' or 'If you have a question about your bill, call our support line.' It is the standard way for businesses to offer assistance. In the digital age, 'FAQs' (Frequently Asked Questions) are a staple of every website, providing a repository of common inquiries and their answers. Whether spoken or written, 'question' is the signal for a need that requires a response.

Customer Service: 'Thank you for your question; I will find that information for you immediately.'

Check the FAQ section if you have a question about our return policy.

It's a question of whether we can afford the new car this month.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 'question' is using the wrong verb. Many languages use a verb that translates to 'make' (like 'hacer' in Spanish or 'faire' in French) when talking about asking a question. In English, you must ask a question. Saying 'I want to make a question' sounds unnatural to native speakers. While you can 'formulate' or 'pose' a question in formal contexts, 'ask' is the standard choice for 99% of situations.

Incorrect vs. Correct: Incorrect: Can I make a question?
Correct: Can I ask a question?

She asked a very insightful question during the seminar.

Another common error involves the preposition used after 'question.' When you want to specify the topic, use 'about' or 'on.' Using 'of' is also common but usually changes the meaning to 'the issue of.' For example, 'a question about the price' is a request for the cost, while 'the question of the price' suggests the price itself is a problem or a major topic of debate. Confusing these can lead to subtle misunderstandings in formal writing.

Preposition Pitfalls: Use 'question about' for specific inquiries. Use 'question of' for general issues or topics.

I have a question about the new company policy.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the word order in embedded questions. While a direct question is 'Where is he?', an indirect question using the noun 'question' would be 'The question is where he is.' Notice that the verb 'is' moves to the end. Forgetting this and saying 'The question is where is he' is a common grammatical slip. Similarly, when using 'question' as a verb, it means to express doubt or to interrogate, which is different from simply 'asking' for information.

Word Order Error: Incorrect: The question is why did he leave?
Correct: The question is why he left.

The question of how we will pay for this remains unanswered.

There's no question that he is telling the truth.

It's just a question of time before they find out.

While 'question' is the most versatile term, several synonyms can provide more precision depending on the context. 'Query' is often used in technical or formal contexts, such as a 'database query' or a 'query to the editor.' It implies a specific request for information, often in written form. 'Inquiry' (or 'enquiry' in UK English) is more formal and often refers to an official investigation or a systematic request for facts, like a 'public inquiry' into an accident.

Question vs. Query: A 'question' is general; a 'query' is often a specific, formal, or technical request for data.

I have a small query regarding the invoice I received yesterday.

'Interrogation' is a much stronger word, usually reserved for intense questioning by police or military officials. It carries a connotation of pressure and potentially an adversarial relationship. In contrast, an 'interview' is a series of questions designed to get to know someone or gather information for a story or a job. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the power dynamic and the level of formality involved in the interaction.

Question vs. Interrogation: A 'question' is neutral; an 'interrogation' is forceful, formal, and often legal in nature.

The suspect underwent six hours of intense interrogation.

In academic or philosophical discussions, 'proposition' or 'problem' might be used. A 'proposition' is a statement or assertion that is up for debate, while a 'problem' is a question that requires a solution. 'Doubt' is another related concept; when you 'call something into question,' you are expressing doubt about its validity. Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repeating 'question' too often in your writing and allows you to convey the exact 'flavor' of the inquiry you are describing.

Comparison Table: Question: General.
Inquiry: Formal/Official.
Query: Technical/Specific.
Interrogation: Forceful/Legal.

The committee launched an inquiry into the cause of the bank's failure.

There is some doubt as to whether the plan will actually work.

The issue at hand is how to reduce our carbon footprint.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The committee will now address the question of resource allocation."

Neutral

"I have a question about the schedule."

Informal

"Got a question for ya!"

Child friendly

"Do you have a question for the teacher? Raise your hand!"

Slang

"Stop questioning me, man!"

Fun Fact

The question mark (?) is thought to have originated from the Latin word 'quaestio', which was abbreviated to 'Qo'. Over time, the 'Q' was written over the 'o', eventually evolving into the symbol we use today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkwestʃən/

US /ˈkwestʃən/

The stress is on the first syllable: QUES-tion.

Rhymes With

suggestion digestion congestion ingestion exhaustion bastion mention tension

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tion' as 'shun' (it should be 'tshun' in this word).
Stress on the second syllable.
Missing the 'w' sound after the 'k'.
Pronouncing the 'e' as a long 'ee'.
Swallowing the final 'n' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize.

Writing 2/5

Spelling 'tion' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of 'tshun' needs practice.

Listening 1/5

Easily identified in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ask answer what who where

Learn Next

query inquiry doubt certainty respond

Advanced

rhetorical ontological interrogation questionnaire

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Inversion

Direct: Where is he? (Verb before subject)

Embedded Questions

Noun form: The question is where he is. (Subject before verb)

Question Marks

Always use a '?' at the end of a direct question.

Auxiliary 'Do'

Do you have a question? (Using 'do' for questions)

Wh- Words

Who, What, Where, When, Why, How are used to start questions.

Examples by Level

I have a question.

J'ai une question.

Subject + Verb + Object

What is your question?

Quelle est ta question ?

Interrogative word + Verb + Possessive + Noun

Ask a question, please.

Pose une question, s'il te plaît.

Imperative mood

Is this a question?

Est-ce une question ?

Verb-subject inversion for a question

One more question, please.

Une question de plus, s'il vous plaît.

Noun phrase

The question is easy.

La question est facile.

Noun + Linking Verb + Adjective

I don't understand the question.

Je ne comprends pas la question.

Negative sentence with 'do not'

Write your question here.

Écris ta question ici.

Imperative verb + Object + Adverb

Can I ask you a question?

Puis-je vous poser une question ?

Modal verb 'can' for permission

That is a very good question.

C'est une très bonne question.

Adverb + Adjective modifying the noun

Please answer the question.

Répondez à la question, s'il vous plaît.

Verb 'answer' takes the noun as a direct object

Do you have any questions?

Avez-vous des questions ?

Use of 'any' in a question

He asked a question about the time.

Il a posé une question sur l'heure.

Preposition 'about' introduces the topic

The test has ten questions.

Le test a dix questions.

Plural noun 'questions'

I have a personal question for you.

J'ai une question personnelle pour vous.

Adjective 'personal' before the noun

She didn't hear my question.

Elle n'a pas entendu ma question.

Past simple negative

There is no question that he is right.

Il ne fait aucun doute qu'il a raison.

Idiomatic use meaning 'certainty'

The question of money is very important.

La question de l'argent est très importante.

'The question of' means 'the issue of'

I'd like to raise a question about safety.

J'aimerais soulever une question sur la sécurité.

Verb 'raise' used for bringing up a topic

It's a question of balance.

C'est une question d'équilibre.

Abstract use of 'question'

She answered every question perfectly.

Elle a répondu parfaitement à chaque question.

Adverb 'perfectly' modifying the verb

The question remains: who did it?

La question demeure : qui l'a fait ?

Use of colon to introduce the specific question

I have a few questions regarding the contract.

J'ai quelques questions concernant le contrat.

Formal preposition 'regarding'

Don't dodge the question!

N'esquive pas la question !

Idiomatic verb 'dodge'

Buying a new house is out of the question.

Acheter une nouvelle maison est hors de question.

Idiom meaning 'impossible'

His honesty has been called into question.

Son honnêteté a été remise en question.

Passive voice with idiom 'call into question'

It's only a question of time before they find out.

Ce n'est qu'une question de temps avant qu'ils ne le découvrent.

Fixed phrase 'a question of time'

The question at hand is how to reduce costs.

La question actuelle est de savoir comment réduire les coûts.

Phrase 'at hand' meaning 'currently being discussed'

He asked a series of leading questions.

Il a posé une série de questions suggestives.

Adjective 'leading' in a legal context

The central question of the book is about love.

La question centrale du livre porte sur l'amour.

Adjective 'central' defining the main theme

I'm not sure I follow your question.

Je ne suis pas sûr de suivre votre question.

Verb 'follow' meaning 'understand'

The witness was taken in for questioning.

Le témoin a été emmené pour interrogatoire.

Gerund 'questioning' used as a noun for an interview

The validity of the study is beyond question.

La validité de l'étude est incontestable.

Phrase 'beyond question' meaning 'certain'

That is a moot question at this point.

C'est une question sans objet à ce stade.

Adjective 'moot' meaning irrelevant or academic

He posed a rhetorical question to the audience.

Il a posé une question rhétorique au public.

Adjective 'rhetorical'

The question of sovereignty remains a thorny issue.

La question de la souveraineté reste un problème épineux.

Adjective 'thorny' meaning difficult or complex

The suspect's motives are still in question.

Les mobiles du suspect sont toujours en question.

Phrase 'in question' meaning 'under doubt'

She fielded questions from the press with ease.

Elle a répondu aux questions de la presse avec aisance.

Verb 'field' meaning to handle or answer

It is a question of whether the ends justify the means.

Il s'agit de savoir si la fin justifie les moyens.

Philosophical phrasing

The policy was called into question by the opposition.

La politique a été remise en cause par l'opposition.

Passive construction with 'called into question'

The ontological question of being is central to his work.

La question ontologique de l'être est centrale dans son œuvre.

Highly academic adjective 'ontological'

His integrity is without question the company's greatest asset.

Son intégrité est sans aucun doute le plus grand atout de l'entreprise.

Adverbial phrase 'without question'

The veracity of his claims is very much in question.

La véracité de ses affirmations est tout à fait remise en question.

Noun 'veracity' with 'in question'

We must address the question of systemic inequality.

Nous devons aborder la question de l'inégalité systémique.

Verb 'address' meaning to deal with

The question remains as to how the funds were diverted.

La question reste de savoir comment les fonds ont été détournés.

Formal structure 'remains as to how'

It is a question of profound ethical significance.

C'est une question d'une profonde importance éthique.

Complex noun phrase

The lawyer's questioning was both incisive and relentless.

L'interrogatoire de l'avocat était à la fois incisif et implacable.

Gerund 'questioning' modified by advanced adjectives

The question of her succession is a matter of intense speculation.

La question de sa succession fait l'objet d'intenses spéculations.

Noun 'speculation' related to the 'question'

Synonyms

query inquiry interrogation doubt problem

Antonyms

answer reply response

Common Collocations

ask a question

answer a question

raise a question

field questions

tough question

burning question

rhetorical question

question of time

in question

out of the question

Common Phrases

No question about it

— Used to say that something is definitely true.

He's the best player, no question about it.

The question is...

— Used to introduce the most important part of a problem.

The question is, how do we get there?

Without question

— Undoubtedly or certainly.

She is without question the most talented artist here.

Beyond question

— So obvious that it cannot be doubted.

His loyalty is beyond question.

Pop the question

— To propose marriage to someone.

He finally popped the question last night.

Call into question

— To cause doubt about something.

The new evidence calls his testimony into question.

A question of...

— A matter that depends on something.

It's a question of taste.

Beg the question

— To raise a point that has not been dealt with.

That still begs the question of who will pay for it.

Open question

— A matter that has not yet been decided.

It's still an open question whether we will go.

Leading question

— A question that suggests the answer you want.

The lawyer was warned for asking a leading question.

Often Confused With

question vs request

A request is asking for an action; a question is usually asking for information.

question vs problem

A problem needs a solution; a question needs an answer (though they overlap).

question vs doubt

Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty; a question is the expression of that uncertainty.

Idioms & Expressions

"Out of the question"

— Something that is impossible or not allowed.

Asking for a raise right now is out of the question.

neutral

"Pop the question"

— To ask someone to marry you.

He's going to pop the question on their anniversary.

informal

"Call something into question"

— To make people doubt that something is true or good.

The scandal called the whole project into question.

formal

"No question"

— Used to emphasize that something is definitely true.

There's no question that she's the best.

neutral

"A question mark over something"

— Used to say that something is uncertain.

There is a question mark over the future of the factory.

neutral

"The $64,000 question"

— The most important or difficult question in a situation.

The $64,000 question is: will it actually work?

informal

"Ask no questions and hear no lies"

— If you don't ask about something, you won't be lied to.

I don't want to know where the money came from. Ask no questions and hear no lies.

informal

"Question of the hour"

— The most important topic being discussed at the moment.

The question of the hour is how to fix the economy.

journalistic

"In question"

— The person or thing that is being talked about.

The documents in question were found in his desk.

formal

"Beyond all question"

— Absolutely certain and impossible to doubt.

His bravery was beyond all question.

formal

Easily Confused

question vs Query

Both mean asking something.

Query is more formal or technical, often used in databases or professional emails.

I have a query about my bill.

question vs Inquiry

Both involve asking for information.

Inquiry is much more formal and often refers to a long, official process.

The government launched an inquiry into the fire.

question vs Demand

Both are ways of speaking to others.

A demand is a forceful requirement; a question is a request for information.

He made a demand for more money.

question vs Answer

They are opposite parts of the same process.

The question starts the process; the answer finishes it.

She gave a clever answer to his question.

question vs Statement

Both are types of sentences.

A statement gives information; a question asks for it.

The witness made a statement to the police.

Sentence Patterns

I have a [noun].

I have a question.

Can I ask a [noun]?

Can I ask a question?

The question of [noun] is [adjective].

The question of money is important.

[Gerund] is out of the question.

Going now is out of the question.

It is a question of [whether/how]...

It is a question of whether we can afford it.

[Noun] is beyond question.

His integrity is beyond question.

There is no question that [clause].

There is no question that he is talented.

To call [noun] into question.

To call his motives into question.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; ranked within the top 500 most common English words.

Common Mistakes

I made a question to the teacher. → I asked the teacher a question.
In English, we 'ask' questions, we do not 'make' them. This is a direct translation error from many other languages.
The question is what is the time? → The question is what the time is.
This is an indirect question. In indirect questions, the verb comes after the subject, not before it.
I have a question of the book. → I have a question about the book.
Use 'about' to indicate the topic of a specific inquiry. 'Of' is used for more general issues like 'the question of survival'.
He didn't respond my question. → He didn't respond to my question.
The verb 'respond' requires the preposition 'to' before the object. Alternatively, use 'answer' without a preposition.
It is out of question. → It is out of the question.
The idiom requires the definite article 'the'. Without it, the phrase sounds incomplete and incorrect.

Tips

Ask, don't make

Always pair 'question' with the verb 'ask'. This is the most important rule for learners to remember to sound natural.

The Question Mark

Always end a direct question with a question mark. However, indirect questions like 'I wonder if he is coming' do not need one.

Synonym Choice

Use 'query' for business emails and 'inquiry' for official matters to sound more professional and precise.

Intonation

Raise the pitch of your voice at the end of a question. This helps listeners identify it as a question even if your grammar isn't perfect.

Out of the Question

Use this phrase to strongly say 'no' to a suggestion that is impossible or unacceptable.

Research Questions

A good research question should be narrow and focused. It is the most important part of starting a thesis or essay.

Politeness

Use 'May I ask a question?' or 'Could I ask something?' to be more polite when interrupting or starting a conversation.

Key Phrases

Listen for 'The question is...' as it usually introduces the main point or problem in a discussion.

Embedded Questions

Remember to change the word order in sentences like 'I don't know what the question is.' (Not 'is the question').

Asking Why

In some cultures, asking 'Why?' can seem aggressive. Try 'Could you explain more about...?' as a softer alternative.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'QUEST' for information. A QUEST-ion is the first step on a quest to find the truth.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, glowing question mark (?) that acts as a hook, pulling an answer out of a dark box.

Word Web

Ask Answer Why What Who Where When How

Challenge

Try to ask three questions to three different people today using the word 'question' in at least one of them.

Word Origin

From Old French 'question', which comes from Latin 'quaestio' (a seeking, inquiry). It is derived from the verb 'quaerere', meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask'.

Original meaning: The act of seeking, an investigation, or a judicial inquiry.

Indo-European (Latinate/Romance influence on English).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking 'personal questions' in professional settings, as it can be seen as intrusive.

Direct questioning is common and usually seen as efficient and honest.

To be, or not to be: that is the question (Shakespeare) The $64,000 Question (TV Show) 20 Questions (Game)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Classroom

I have a question.
Any questions?
The question is on page 5.
Please answer the question.

Job Interview

Do you have any questions for us?
That's a great question.
Let me answer that question.
May I ask a question about the role?

Legal/Police

Under questioning
The question is relevant.
Leading question
Answer the question, witness.

Daily Life

Just a quick question.
Out of the question.
No question about it.
The question of the day.

Academic Writing

The research question
This raises the question of...
The question at hand
To address the question

Conversation Starters

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

"What is a question you have always wanted to know the answer to?"

"Do you think it's better to ask a lot of questions or to listen more?"

"What's the hardest question anyone has ever asked you?"

"If you were a teacher, what kind of questions would you put on a test?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you were afraid to ask a question. Why were you afraid, and what happened?

What is the 'question of the year' for your life right now? What are you trying to figure out?

Describe a situation where you had to answer a very difficult question. How did you handle it?

Think of a topic you are curious about. List five questions you would like to find the answers to.

Do you agree that 'there are no stupid questions'? Why or why not? Explain your thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In English, you should always say 'ask a question.' Using 'make' is a common error for speakers of other languages. For example, 'I would like to ask a question about the project' is correct.

It means that something is completely impossible or not allowed. For example, if you ask for a million dollars, your boss might say, 'That is out of the question!'

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect or to make a point, rather than to get an actual answer. For example, 'Who knows?' often means 'Nobody knows.'

It refers to the specific person or thing being discussed. For example, 'The car in question was red' means the specific car the people are talking about.

A leading question is one that is phrased to suggest a particular answer. In law, they are often restricted. For example, 'You were at the store, weren't you?' is leading.

Yes, as a verb, 'to question' means to ask someone questions formally (like the police) or to express doubt about something. Example: 'I question his honesty.'

The plural is 'questions.' It is a regular countable noun. Example: 'I have many questions for you.'

A 'burning question' is an urgent or very important question that everyone wants to know the answer to. Example: 'The burning question is who will be the next president.'

It is neutral. It can be used in very informal settings ('Got a question?') and very formal ones ('The question of international law').

It means that something is so certain that it cannot be doubted. Example: 'Her skill as a doctor is beyond question.'