previous question: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Parliamentary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “previous question” mean?
A motion in parliamentary procedure used to end debate on the current proposal and bring it to an immediate vote.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A motion in parliamentary procedure used to end debate on the current proposal and bring it to an immediate vote.
More broadly, the topic or matter that was under discussion or consideration immediately before the current one.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The procedural motion 'previous question' exists in both UK and US parliamentary practice, but its specific effect and frequency of use can differ by rulebook (e.g., Robert's Rules of Order in the US vs. Standing Orders in the UK). In everyday language, neither variety commonly uses the phrase as a fixed unit.
Connotations
Highly formal and technical. Connotes strict procedural adherence and tactical maneuvering within a formal debate.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Its use is confined to specific institutional and procedural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “previous question” in a Sentence
[Someone] moved the previous question.The chair put the previous question to a vote.Debate ceased when the previous question was ordered.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “previous question” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The MP sought clarification on the previous question's wording before the vote.
American English
- The senator argued that the previous question motion was being used to stifle minority opinion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal shareholder meetings or board meetings following strict parliamentary procedure.
Academic
Used in political science, law, and governance studies when analysing legislative processes.
Everyday
Virtually never used. People would say 'what we were just talking about' or 'your last question'.
Technical
Core term in parliamentary procedure and deliberative assembly governance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “previous question”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “previous question”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “previous question”
- Using 'previous question' in casual conversation to mean 'the question you asked before'. (Use 'your last question' instead.)
- Thinking the 'previous question' motion is about revisiting an old topic. It is about ending debate on the *current* topic.
- Incorrect verb collocation: 'He said the previous question' instead of 'He moved/called for the previous question'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term of parliamentary procedure. In everyday situations, say 'your last question' or 'what we were just discussing'.
If the motion for the previous question is defeated, debate on the main motion continues as if the motion had never been made.
They are similar in effect (both end debate), but 'cloture' is a specific term used in the US Senate with its own complex rules. 'Previous question' is the more general parliamentary term.
Yes, adopting the previous question compels an immediate vote on the main motion which was under debate, with no further discussion allowed.
A motion in parliamentary procedure used to end debate on the current proposal and bring it to an immediate vote.
Previous question is usually formal, parliamentary, academic in register.
Previous question: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpriː.vi.əs ˈkwes.tʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpriː.vi.əs ˈkwes.tʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a debate that's going in circles. Someone stands up and says, 'Let's stop talking and vote now!' That person is moving the PREVIOUS QUESTION, because they want to end the PREVIOUS discussion and get a decision.
Conceptual Metaphor
A QUESTION IS A JOURNEY (of debate). The 'previous question' is a procedural TOOL/BRIDGE that allows the group to jump directly to the destination (the vote), bypassing the rest of the journey (further debate).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of moving 'the previous question' in a formal meeting?