Noun / Verb A1 — Beginner /ˈkwestʃən/

Question — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

A sentence that seeks an answer — the engine of all communication and learning.

Quick Definition

A question (noun) is a sentence or phrase used to ask for information or clarification. To question (verb) means to ask someone questions, or to doubt or challenge something.

What Does Question Mean?

Question comes from Latin quaestio (an inquiry, investigation) via Old French question. It is one of the most fundamental words in the English language and is essential from the very first day of language learning.

As a noun, key patterns: ask a question, answer a question, raise a question, a good/difficult question. As a verb: question someone about something, question whether. Idioms: out of the question (impossible), in question (being discussed), without question (definitely).

In grammar, a question is one of the four sentence types (statement, question, command, exclamation). Understanding how to form questions correctly — with inversion and question words — is a core A1–A2 grammar target.

Word in Use

SentenceUsage note
Do you have any questions about the homework?question as a request for information
The teacher questioned the students about their weekend.to question = to ask formally
She questioned whether the data was accurate.to question = to express doubt

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

Can I do you a question?

Can I ask you a question? (ask a question, not do/make)

She made me a question about my job.

She asked me a question about my job. (always ask a question)

Related Words

answer reason problem query inquiry doubt

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Wordsearch Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions about “question”

What does question mean?
A question is a sentence, phrase, or word that asks for information or clarification: 'Can I ask you a question?' As a verb, to question means to ask someone about something formally, or to express doubt: 'She questioned the accuracy of the report.'
What is the difference between question and inquiry?
A question is a direct request for information. An inquiry (or enquiry in British English) is a more formal, often written, investigation or request: 'I have a question about the timetable' (informal/spoken) vs 'Please direct all inquiries to the admissions office' (formal).
How do you form questions in English?
Questions in English are formed using inversion (Do/Does/Did + subject + verb), question words (What, When, Where, Who, Why, How), or rising intonation on a statement. Examples: 'Do you speak English?' 'Where do you live?' Learning these patterns is fundamental to A1–A2 English.
What is the CEFR level of question?
Question is an A1 word — one of the first words every English learner needs. It appears in every lesson, conversation, and text from the very beginning of language learning. Both noun and verb forms are important from A1 onwards.
What are synonyms for question?
As a noun: query, inquiry, interrogation, issue, matter, problem. As a verb: ask, query, interrogate, challenge, doubt, dispute. The tone differs: 'ask' is neutral; 'interrogate' implies intensity; 'challenge' implies disagreement; 'query' is formal or polite.
How do you pronounce question?
Question is pronounced /ˈkwestʃən/. The 'qu' sounds like 'kw', and the 'tion' sounds like 'chən' (not 'tee-on'). Stress is on the first syllable: QUES-tion. A common mispronunciation is 'kwes-tee-ON' — remember that '-tion' after 's' becomes the 'chən' sound.
Can question be used as a verb?
Yes. To question someone means to ask them questions, often formally: 'The police questioned the witness for two hours.' To question something means to express doubt: 'I question whether this approach is correct.' The noun form 'questioning' (e.g. 'police questioning') is also common.
What does out of the question mean?
'Out of the question' means impossible or not worth considering: 'Staying up past midnight on a school night is out of the question.' Compare with 'in question' (= being discussed or doubted): 'The figures in question have not been verified.'
What is a rhetorical question?
A rhetorical question is one asked to make a point rather than to get an answer: 'Who wouldn't want to learn English?' The speaker does not expect a reply. Rhetorical questions are common in speeches, essays, and persuasive writing, and are an effective B2+ language device.
How can I practise forming questions in English?
LexFizz's Vocabulary Quiz presents vocabulary in question-and-answer format, which helps you practise both asking and answering. The Flash Cards exercise tests your recall. For grammar practice, the LexFizz blog covers question formation in detail, including yes/no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions.