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Meaning & use

question

noun, verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈkwɛstʃən/
US/ˈkwɛstʃən/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A sentence or phrase that asks for an answer or information.

    Grammar: Countable: ask a question, answer several questions.

    Patterns

    • ask someone a question
    • a question about something

    Can I ask you a question about the homework?

    The teacher answered every question patiently.

    That is a good question, and I need a moment to think.

  2. nouncountable

    A problem or matter to be discussed or settled.

    Grammar: Often in phrases such as the question of or a question of: the question is whether we can afford it.

    Patterns

    • the question of something
    • a question of something

    The question of who pays has not been settled.

    It is only a question of time before the bridge reopens.

    The council debated the question of parking fees.

  3. noununcountable

    Doubt or uncertainty about something.

    Grammar: Often in out of the question, no question, or call into question.

    Patterns

    • in question
    • no question about something
    • out of the question

    There is no question that she earned the promotion.

    His honesty was never in question.

    Leaving early is out of the question today.

  4. verbtransitive

    To ask someone questions, especially officially, or to express doubt about something.

    Grammar: Takes an object: police questioned the witness; she questioned his decision.

    Patterns

    • question someone about something
    • question something

    Police questioned the neighbor for two hours.

    Scientists questioned the results of the study.

    He never questions his manager's choices.

Word forms

pluralquestions
third person singularquestions
past tensequestioned
-ing formquestioning

Common combinations

ask a question
Don't be shy; ask a question if anything is unclear.
raise a question
The report raises a question about safety.
out of the question
Going on holiday this year is out of the question.
call into question
New evidence called the theory into question.
beyond question
Her talent is beyond question.
in question
The restaurant in question has since closed.

Synonyms and how they differ

query
Query is a formal or technical word for a question, especially one asking for clarification from a business or database.
inquiry
Inquiry suggests a formal request for information or an investigation, not just a single spoken question.
issue
Issue means a topic or problem for debate, whereas question can also be a simple request for an answer.
doubt
Doubt means a feeling of uncertainty, while question is the act or form of asking or the matter in dispute.

Opposites

answer

Word family

questionable adjective
doubtful or open to suspicion
questioning noun
the act of asking questions, especially by police
questioner noun
a person who asks questions
unquestionable adjective
so certain that it cannot be doubted
questionnaire noun
a written set of questions for a survey

Commonly confused: question or query?

question vs query

A query is a more formal request for information, often about a bill or an order, where question is the general everyday word.

Practice

Fixing the roof before winter is not optional; waiting is out of the ___.

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