Explanation at your level:
A question is a sentence you use to ask for information. You start with words like 'What', 'Where', or 'How'. For example, 'What is your name?' is a question.
You use a question to learn new things. It is very common in school and work. We often use a question mark (?) at the end of the sentence to show it is a request for an answer.
A question is an inquiry that requires a response. Beyond simple facts, we use questions to start conversations or check if someone understands us. Being able to formulate clear questions is a key skill for any language learner.
The term question can also refer to a problem or a matter for discussion. For example, 'The question of climate change is very important.' It implies that there is a need for careful consideration and debate.
Beyond the literal interrogative, question can denote a state of doubt. To 'question' someone's motives is to challenge their integrity. It is a powerful noun that can frame entire academic or philosophical arguments.
Historically, the question was synonymous with judicial torture or rigorous examination. While this usage is archaic, it highlights the word's inherent power to demand truth. In modern discourse, it remains the primary mechanism for critical inquiry and intellectual advancement.
30秒词汇
- A question is an inquiry for information.
- It is a fundamental tool for communication.
- The plural is 'questions'.
- We 'ask' a question, we don't 'make' one.
A question is essentially a bridge between two minds. When you don't know something, you use this tool to reach out and gain clarity.
It is the foundation of curiosity. Without questions, we would never learn, grow, or solve the mysteries of the world around us.
The word question comes from the Latin quaestio, which means 'a seeking' or 'an inquiry.' It is deeply rooted in the verb quaerere, meaning 'to ask' or 'to seek.'
It entered Middle English through Old French in the 13th century. Interestingly, it has stayed remarkably consistent in meaning for over 800 years, proving that humans have always been naturally inquisitive creatures.
In daily life, we ask a question. In formal settings, you might pose or raise a question.
You can also use it to express doubt, as in 'his honesty is in question.' It is a versatile word that fits almost any social or professional register.
Out of the question: Something that is impossible or forbidden.
Beg the question: To assume the truth of something you are trying to prove.
A burning question: A very important or urgent inquiry.
Call into question: To doubt the validity of something.
The 64,000 dollar question: The most important or difficult question.
The plural form is questions. It is a countable noun, meaning you can have 'one question' or 'many questions.'
Pronounced /ˈkwestʃən/ in both British and American English, it rhymes with 'suggestion' and 'digestion.' The stress is always on the first syllable.
Fun Fact
The word has been used in English since the 13th century.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'kw' sound, short 'e', followed by a 'shun' sound.
Similar to UK, slightly more emphasis on the 'ch' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it as 'kwest-ee-on'
- Missing the 'sh' sound
- Putting stress on the second syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very common word.
Easy to spell.
Easy to pronounce.
Very frequent.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
高级
Grammar to Know
Wh- Questions
What is your name?
Yes/No Questions
Do you like it?
Indirect Questions
Could you tell me where it is?
Examples by Level
What is your name?
Asking for identity
Wh- question
Is this your pen?
Asking for ownership
Yes/No question
Where is the library?
Asking for location
Wh- question
How are you?
Asking about feelings
Standard greeting
Can you help me?
Asking for assistance
Modal verb
When does it start?
Asking for time
Time inquiry
Do you like pizza?
Asking for preference
Do-support
Who is that?
Asking for identity
Subject inquiry
Do you have a question?
That is a good question.
I have some questions about the test.
Please answer my question.
The question was very hard.
Can I ask a question?
She answered every question.
The teacher wrote a question on the board.
The question of money is important.
He raised a question about the schedule.
It is out of the question.
I have no questions for you.
The question remains unanswered.
She avoided the question.
The question is quite complex.
Let's address that question later.
His loyalty is now in question.
That begs the question: why did he leave?
The committee discussed the question of safety.
I don't mean to question your authority.
The question is whether we can afford it.
He posed a rhetorical question.
The matter is not in question.
She faced a barrage of questions.
The question of ethics is central to the debate.
He called into question the validity of the data.
The question of identity is a recurring theme in her work.
There is no question that he is the best candidate.
The question is purely academic.
She took the question in her stride.
The question of survival weighed heavily on them.
He left the question open for further study.
The question of existence has plagued philosophers for centuries.
He was subjected to a grueling question session.
The question of sovereignty remains contentious.
Her integrity is beyond question.
The question of interpretation is key to the text.
He sidestepped the question with a smile.
The question is moot at this point.
The question of intent is paramount.
常见搭配
Idioms & Expressions
"out of the question"
impossible
Going to the moon is out of the question.
neutral"beg the question"
to assume the truth of a premise
That argument begs the question.
formal"call into question"
to doubt
His actions call his motives into question.
formal"the 64,000 dollar question"
the most important question
Will he quit? That's the 64,000 dollar question.
casual"pop the question"
to propose marriage
He is going to pop the question tonight.
casual"no question about it"
definitely
He is the best, no question about it.
neutralEasily Confused
both involve uncertainty
question is an inquiry, doubt is a feeling
I have a question, but I have no doubt.
both mean inquiry
query is more technical
I sent a query to the database.
both related to asking
quiz is an evaluation
We had a quiz on history.
both can be 'matters'
problem is an issue, question is a request
The question is simple, but the problem is hard.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + ask + question
She asked a question.
Question + be + adjective
The question is difficult.
There + be + question
There is no question about it.
Call + object + into + question
They called his motives into question.
Question + as to + whether
The question as to whether he is right remains.
词族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
相关
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
常见错误
While 'question' can be a verb, it usually implies suspicion or interrogation.
Questions must end with a question mark.
In English, we 'ask' questions, we don't 'make' them.
Use 'question' for information, 'doubt' for uncertainty.
Sometimes 'question' is misused for 'problem' or 'issue'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Place a giant question mark on your front door.
Native Usage
Use 'pose a question' in essays.
Cultural Insight
Americans value direct questions.
Grammar Shortcut
Questions always need a verb inversion.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'ch' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'make a question'.
Did You Know?
The question mark was invented in the 8th century.
Study Smart
Write 5 questions about your day.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Quest for information.
Visual Association
A large question mark glowing in the dark.
Word Web
挑战
Ask three people a question today.
词源
Latin
Original meaning: A seeking or inquiry
文化背景
Asking personal questions can be seen as intrusive in some cultures.
Asking questions is encouraged in schools and workplaces as a sign of engagement.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- Raise your hand
- Ask the teacher
- Any questions?
at work
- Pose a question
- Address the question
- Good question
in an interview
- Do you have any questions?
- That is a great question
- Let me answer that
in daily life
- Can I ask a question?
- No question about it
- It's out of the question
Conversation Starters
"What is the most interesting question you have ever been asked?"
"Do you find it easy to ask questions in English?"
"What question would you ask a famous person?"
"Is there a question you are afraid to ask?"
"How do you handle difficult questions?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you asked a question that changed your life.
Why do you think humans are so curious?
Describe a situation where a question was more important than an answer.
If you could ask the universe one question, what would it be?
常见问题
8 个问题Yes, it means to doubt or to interrogate.
Just add 's' to make it 'questions'.
No, you should say 'ask a question'.
A question asked for effect, not for an answer.
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
An answer.
It sounds like 'shun'.
A list of questions for a survey.
自我测试
I have a ___ for you.
You ask a question.
Which verb goes with 'question'?
We always 'ask' a question.
A question is always a statement.
A question is an inquiry, not a statement.
Word
意思
Idiom matching.
Standard subject-verb order.
得分： /5
Summary
A question is the key that unlocks the door to knowledge.
- A question is an inquiry for information.
- It is a fundamental tool for communication.
- The plural is 'questions'.
- We 'ask' a question, we don't 'make' one.
Memory Palace
Place a giant question mark on your front door.
Native Usage
Use 'pose a question' in essays.
Cultural Insight
Americans value direct questions.
Grammar Shortcut
Questions always need a verb inversion.
例句
Can I ask you a simple question?
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