Language Research

question · noun

/ˈkwes.tʃən/Full view

Word family

Nouns: question, questioner

Adjectives: questionable, unquestioned, unquestionable

Verbs: question

Adverbs: unquestionably

question (ASKING)

A1 C a sentence or phrase used to find out information

Dictionary examples:

May I ask you a question?

Ask and answer questions with your partner.

If you have any questions about the schedule, please feel free to ask me.

"So what movies are playing?" "That's a good question."

Learner example:

Our teacher talks to us and gives us some questions. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Spanish)

question (EXAM)

A2 C in a test or exam, a problem that tests a person's knowledge or ability

Dictionary example:

Answer as many questions as you can.

Learner example:

In the e-mail were the exam questions, and I felt very happy because I'll pass the test! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

question (PROBLEM)

B2 C a situation or problem that needs to be dealt with or considered

Dictionary examples:

This raises the question of teacher pay.

Two important questions come out of this debate.

Learner example:

Then it raises an important question: "[Do] museums provide enough to interest young people?" (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

question (DOUBT)

B2 U doubt or uncertainty

Dictionary examples:

There's no question that this was an accidental fire.

There's no question about whose fault it is.

Whether children are reading fewer books is open to question.

This latest report calls into question the safety of the drug.

His ability has never been in question.

Learner example:

There's no question that it was absolutely great! (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

be a question of

C1 used for saying what the most important issue is in a situation

Dictionary example:

Someone needs to be here - it's a question of who would be the best person.

Learner example:

The choice is a question of price. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

be out of the question

C2 If something is out of the question, it is not possible or not allowed.

Dictionary example:

Providing more money is out of the question.

Learner example:

Walking home was out of the question since that would have taken even longer. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

sb/sth in question

C2 the person or thing that is being discussed

Dictionary example:

He sais that he was at a restaurant with his friends on the night in question.

Learner example:

While this is not necessarily false, it should be borne in mind that the events in question are by no means boring or uninteresting. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

pose a/the question

C2 to ask a question

Dictionary example:

It was left to Grazia to pose the question of how the project was to be funded.

Learner example:

For instance, you can pose a question concerning music to your listeners and the person who is going to call first to answer - correctly of course - will gain a small sum of money. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

question · verb T often passive

/ˈkwes.tʃən/

Word family

Nouns: question, questioner

Adjectives: questionable, unquestioned, unquestionable

Verbs: question

Adverbs: unquestionably

question (ASK)

B2 to ask a person about something, especially officially

Dictionary examples:

"What was she questioning you about?" "Oh, just about the schedule changes."

Sixty-eight percent of people questioned in the survey thought noise levels had increased.

Learner example:

A total of 60 per cent of those questioned suggested that we should find sponsorship for all activities. 30 per cent of those questioned said that there are not enough seats in the reception area. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

question (EXPRESS DOUBT)

B2 to feel or express doubt about something

Dictionary examples:

I'm not for a moment questioning your decision.

I'm just questioning whether we need the extra staff.

Learner example:

It may sound funny, but mud, gravel and snow lying on the school's floors is not a nice sight, so we change our shoes without questioning that rule. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)