question time
C1formal, institutional
Definition
Meaning
A fixed period, especially in a parliamentary or governmental session, during which ministers answer questions from members.
Any designated period in a formal meeting, broadcast, or event where questions are posed to a person or panel.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in political contexts. Can be metaphorical (e.g., 'question time' for a CEO facing shareholders). Often capitalised when part of a proper name (e.g., Prime Minister's Questions).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Question Time' is a core constitutional practice and the name of a BBC political debate programme. In the US, the equivalent congressional practice is typically called 'question period' or is part of 'hearings'; the term 'question time' is rarely used institutionally.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with parliamentary democracy, accountability, and political theatre. US: If used, may sound British or refer to a specific Q&A session.
Frequency
High frequency in UK political discourse. Very low frequency in general American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] holds/question time[Time] for question timeDuring/In question time, [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's question time for... (figurative: time to be held accountable)”
- “Face a question time”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for a challenging shareholder Q&A.
Academic
Used in political science to describe parliamentary procedure.
Everyday
Uncommon. May be understood from news coverage of politics.
Technical
Specific term in parliamentary procedure (UK, Commonwealth).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We have question time at the end of the class.
- The mayor will answer your queries during question time.
- The committee has scheduled a thirty-minute question time following the report.
- The minister's evasive answers during Prime Minister's Questions damaged her credibility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the Big Ben clock striking the hour for 'Question Time' in Parliament – the time for questions has arrived.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCOUNTABILITY IS A SCHEDULED CONFRONTATION / DEMOCRACY IS A PUBLIC DIALOGUE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'время вопроса'. The concept is 'время для вопросов' or the borrowed term 'квэшн тайм' in political context.
- Do not confuse with 'question hour' (a similar Indian parliamentary term).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'question time' for any casual Q&A (e.g., after a lecture).
- Omitting the definite article when needed (e.g., 'During the question time...').
Practice
Quiz
In which country is 'Question Time' a major weekly televised political event?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an open compound noun: 'question time'.
It would be atypical and confusing. Use 'quiz show' or 'game show' instead.
'Hold' (e.g., 'The parliament holds question time every Wednesday.') or 'have'.
No, the US system does not have an equivalent named 'question time'. Executive officials testify at congressional hearings instead.