Meaning & use
questions
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“questions” is a form of “question”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nouncountable
Sentences or phrases that you say or write to ask for information or an answer.
Grammar: Plural of question: ask questions, answer questions.
Patterns
- ask someone questions
- questions about something
The students asked several questions about the homework.
I have a few questions before we sign the contract.
The journalist fired questions at the minister.
nounplural
Problems or issues that need to be dealt with or about which people are uncertain.
Grammar: Often used with raise or remain: questions remain about the cause.
Patterns
- questions about something
- questions of something
Questions remain about how the fire started.
The report raises serious questions about safety.
Questions of cost came up at every meeting.
Word forms
| singular | question |
|---|
Common combinations
- ask questions
- Never be afraid to ask questions in class.
- answer questions
- The doctor answered all our questions patiently.
- raise questions
- The sudden resignation raises questions.
- exam questions
- The exam questions covered the whole syllabus.
- leading questions
- The lawyer was told not to ask leading questions.
- no questions asked
- They offered a refund, no questions asked.
Synonyms and how they differ
- queries
- Queries is slightly more formal and often means requests for specific information, such as from customers.
- enquiries
- Enquiries are formal requests for information, usually to an organisation, whereas questions can be casual.
- puzzles
- Puzzles are problems to be solved for fun, while questions simply ask for information.
- issues
- Issues are topics under discussion, whereas questions are things you actually ask.
Opposites
Word family
- question verb
- to ask someone questions or doubt something
- questionable adjective
- open to doubt
- questioning noun
- the act of asking questions
- questionnaire noun
- a written list of questions for a survey
Commonly confused: questions or queries?
questions vs queries
Queries are often specific requests or searches, while questions is the everyday word for anything you ask.
Practice
The teacher said, 'Please hand in your ___ before the end of the lesson.'
Choose one answer.
Students give answers when they respond to the teacher's questions. Handing in questions would not make sense for the student's response.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “questions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.