SpeakUp

Grammar fix

open question

not closed-ended

A question that allows for a detailed or longer answer, not just 'yes' or 'no'.

collocationB1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The teacher asked an open question to encourage everyone to share their ideas.communication
  • In my opinion, open questions are better in interviews because they help people explain their experiences in detail.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: an open question

WrongAsk an opened question.

RightAsk an open question.

It's 'open question' (or 'open-ended'), not 'opened'.

Patternan open question

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Employ interrogatives that invite an expansive response.

Natural Try asking open questions.

'Interrogatives that invite an expansive response' is jargon; 'open questions' is plain.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • an open question
    an open questionopen-ended questionaskclosed question

Don't confuse it

The opposite is a 'closed question', which usually only needs a 'yes' or 'no' answer.

Try it in Daily Speak →