question
A1Universal (neutral, used in all registers)
Definition
Meaning
A sentence worded or expressed in order to elicit information; an interrogative sentence.
A matter requiring resolution or discussion; a subject of investigation or dispute.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word's primary meaning is the syntactic form of an interrogative. It extends metaphorically to any matter considered open, uncertain, or problematic, implying a need for an answer, decision, or resolution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in the core meaning or usage of the noun. The verb 'to question' is equally common. Minor spelling differences in derivative forms (e.g., 'questioned', 'questioning').
Connotations
In legal/policing contexts, 'to be taken in for questioning' is standard in both, with identical connotations.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both variants.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to ask somebody a questionto have a question about/forto be a question of (doing) somethingThere is no question that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beg the question”
- “Out of the question”
- “Call into question”
- “A question of time”
- “Without question”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The financial report raises serious questions about our Q3 projections." (a matter for discussion/concern)
Academic
"Her thesis addresses the central question of causality in 19th-century novels." (a formal inquiry or problem for investigation)
Everyday
"Can I ask you a quick question about the meeting time?" (a request for information)
Technical
"The debug log helps us answer the question of where the null pointer exception originated." (a specific, defined problem)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The officer will question the witnesses at the station.
- I wouldn't question her judgement on this.
American English
- The detective questioned the suspect for hours.
- Some investors now question the company's strategy.
adverb
British English
- This is, questionably, the best approach.
- He looked at her questioningly.
American English
- The data was, questionably, sourced from a blog.
- She raised her eyebrow questioningly.
adjective
British English
- The question time session in Parliament was quite lively.
- We need to review the question sheet before the interview.
American English
- The question period was dominated by economic concerns.
- Please use the question form provided on the website.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- What is your name?
- I have a question for the teacher.
- That's a good question.
- The main question is how we will pay for the project.
- She questioned the accuracy of the news report.
- His honesty is beyond question.
- The article raises pertinent questions about data privacy.
- The committee is questioning the proposed budget allocations.
- It's merely a question of time before they announce the results.
- The ethical questions surrounding AI development are profound and multi-faceted.
- Her entire testimony was called into question by the new evidence.
- The move from rhetoric to actionable policy is now the operative question.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a QUEST for information. A 'question' is what you ask at the start of your 'quest' for knowledge.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUESTIONS ARE OBJECTS (pose, field, raise, drop a question); QUESTIONS ARE CONTAINERS (loaded question, question full of doubt); UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (see the question, unclear question).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'problem' for simple informational questions. Use 'question'. 'It's a question of money' means 'It depends on money/It's about money', not 'Это проблема денег'. 'Out of the question' means 'совершенно невозможно', not 'вне вопроса'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'doubt' incorrectly (e.g., 'I have a question' NOT 'I have a doubt'). Confusing 'question' (noun) with 'ask' (verb) in sentence structure (e.g., 'He questioned me' vs. 'He asked me a question').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'question' used as a verb meaning 'to interrogate formally'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'question' seeks information or discussion. A 'problem' is a difficult situation requiring a solution. 'I have a question about the math formula' vs. 'I have a problem with my computer (it's broken)'.
No, not directly. A 'doubt' is a feeling of uncertainty. You 'have a doubt' about a fact's truth. You 'ask a question' to get information. In Indian English, 'doubt' is often used where other dialects use 'question', but this is non-standard elsewhere.
In formal logic, it means to assume the truth of the very point you're trying to prove (circular reasoning). In everyday use, it's often misused to mean 'invites or raises the question'.
Yes, when referring to the concept of doubt or dispute. E.g., 'His loyalty was beyond question.' or 'There is no question that she is qualified.' It is not used uncountable for individual queries.
Collections
Part of a collection
Common Questions
A1 · 31 words · Question words and phrases for basic communication.
Education
A2 · 50 words · School, studying and learning vocabulary.