open question
B2-C1Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
An issue or matter that has not been definitively decided or resolved; a matter that is still uncertain and open to debate.
A question that is phrased in a way that invites a detailed, thoughtful response rather than a simple 'yes/no' or single-fact answer (especially in surveys/interviews).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term implies a lack of closure and invites further inquiry, discussion, or investigation. In its core meaning, it is often used to express scepticism about the certainty of a situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage patterns. Spelling remains 'open question' in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of uncertainty and debate in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in formal and academic contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Whether + clause + is + an open question.It is an open question + whether + clause.NP + remains + an open question.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's anyone's guess.”
- “That remains to be seen.”
- “Up in the air.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Whether the merger will lead to job losses is still an open question.
Academic
The causal relationship between the two variables remains an open question for further research.
Everyday
Where we'll go on holiday this year is an open question at the moment.
Technical
The long-term stability of the new polymer in marine environments is an open question.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee will open the question of funding for debate next week.
American English
- The senator moved to open the question to amendments from the floor.
adverb
British English
- The chairperson asked the panel to speak openly on the question of ethics.
American English
- She questioned him openly about the allegations.
adjective
British English
- The open-question format of the survey yielded more nuanced data.
American English
- The interview included several open-question segments.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- 'Where shall we eat?' is an open question.
- It's an open question whether it will rain for the picnic.
- Whether the new policy will improve efficiency remains an open question.
- The extent to which social media influences electoral outcomes is still very much an open question among political scientists.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a door left OPEN. You can't see what's inside or what the outcome will be. An OPEN QUESTION is just like that—an issue where the 'door' to the answer is still open, not closed.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/ANSWER IS A CONTAINER. An 'open question' is a container whose contents are not yet seen or secured.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'открытый вопрос', which can sound odd. Use 'открытая проблема', 'нерешённый вопрос', or 'спорный момент' depending on context.
- Do not confuse with a survey 'open question' (open-ended), which is 'открытый вопрос' in Russian, creating a potential false friend.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean a 'frank' or 'honest' question (e.g., 'He asked an open question about the budget.').
- Using it where 'rhetorical question' is meant.
- Incorrect article: 'It is open question' instead of 'It is AN open question'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'open question' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the opposite. An 'open question' invites a detailed response, while a 'yes/no question' (or closed question) invites a simple affirmative or negative.
Not typically. Its core meaning relates to uncertainty and lack of resolution, which is neutral but can be perceived as negative if certainty is desired.
An 'open question' is genuinely unresolved and invites inquiry. A 'rhetorical question' is asked for effect, with no answer expected or with an implied, obvious answer.
It is neutral to formal. It is common in academic, business, and journalistic writing. In casual conversation, people might use simpler phrases like 'not decided yet' or 'we don't know'.