question period
C1-C2Formal, Political, Institutional
Definition
Meaning
A formally designated parliamentary or legislative session during which members of an elected body direct questions to government ministers or the executive branch.
A structured period of time set aside for asking questions, sometimes extended metaphorically to business meetings, academic settings, or public forums where authorities are subjected to direct inquiries.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in political contexts, especially in parliamentary democracies. The term implies accountability and oversight. It is a compound noun where 'question' is singular, but the period may contain many questions. Not typically used for informal Q&A sessions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK and other Westminster-style parliaments, 'question period' is a standard term (though 'Prime Minister's Questions' or 'PMQs' is a specific, famous instance). In the US, the term is less common federally; Congress uses 'hearings' or 'committee sessions' for oversight. The concept exists at state and local government levels, but the term is more associated with Canadian and UK political systems in American awareness.
Connotations
UK/Commonwealth: Central to parliamentary democracy, often adversarial and theatrical. US: Less culturally salient; if used, connotes a formal accountability mechanism, often in local government or organizational contexts.
Frequency
High frequency in UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand political discourse. Low to medium frequency in US English, mostly in academic descriptions of other countries' systems or specific institutional settings.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
attend the question periodface a question periodpostpone the question periodopen the floor for a question periodadjourn the question periodVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a grilling during question period”
- “the theatre of question period”
- “to survive question period”
- “the gloves are off in question period”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Occasionally used for scheduled Q&A with executives after an annual shareholder meeting.
Academic
Used in political science and civics to describe parliamentary procedure; also after academic lectures.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing politics or formal meetings.
Technical
A procedural term in parliamentary rules of order and legislative studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister will be question-perioded by the opposition next Tuesday.
- They spent the afternoon question-perioding the new proposals.
American English
- The mayor was question-perioded for an hour on the budget.
- The committee plans to question-period the nominee.
adverb
British English
- He spoke question-periodly, with sharp, interrogative phrases.
- The debate proceeded question-periodly.
American English
- She responded question-periodly, anticipating follow-ups.
- The meeting was conducted question-periodly.
adjective
British English
- The question-period dynamics were particularly aggressive.
- He is known for his question-period style.
American English
- The question-period format allows for direct accountability.
- She prepared a question-period strategy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After the talk, there was a short question period.
- The teacher said we can ask questions during the question period.
- In the UK Parliament, the Prime Minister answers questions during the question period.
- The city council meeting includes a public question period.
- The minister faced intense scrutiny during the daily question period, struggling to defend the policy's shortcomings.
- Procedural rules strictly govern the length and format of the parliamentary question period.
- The opposition's forensic dismantling of the minister's argument during question period precipitated a full-blown political crisis.
- The erosion of civility in the legislature's question period has been a subject of considerable scholarly analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the British Parliament's lively debates. The period (time) for questions is the 'question period'. It's not just *a* question, but the *official slot* for many.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCOUNTABILITY IS A CONFRONTATION / DEMOCRACY IS THEATRE / OVERSIGHT IS SCRUTINY
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'период вопроса' (literal period of a single question). The correct equivalent is often 'время для вопросов' or the specific parliamentary term 'вопросы правительству'. Avoid confusion with 'срок' (deadline period).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'question time' synonymously (though similar, 'question time' often refers to the specific UK/PMQs session). Pluralising as 'questions period'. Using it for any casual Q&A, like after a friend's talk.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'question period' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related but not identical. 'Question Period' is the general term used in places like Canada for the daily session. 'Question Time' (specifically 'Prime Minister's Questions' or PMQs in the UK) is a specific, famous instance within the UK parliamentary system. 'Question period' is the broader categorical term.
It would sound overly formal and slightly odd, as the term carries strong parliamentary connotations. 'Q&A session' or 'time for questions' is more natural and appropriate for a business or casual setting.
Its primary purpose is democratic accountability. It allows elected representatives to scrutinize the government's actions, challenge policies, and demand explanations on behalf of the public. It is a cornerstone of responsible government in parliamentary systems.
It varies by legislature. For example, in the Canadian House of Commons, it is 45 minutes on most sitting days. In the UK, PMQs lasts about 30 minutes every Wednesday. The duration is fixed by the standing orders or rules of the specific parliament.