open question — not closed-ended
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutraloccasional
A question that allows for a detailed or longer answer, not just 'yes' or 'no'.
Say it like a native
Textbook Employ interrogatives that invite an expansive response.
Native Try asking open questions.
'Interrogatives that invite an expansive response' is jargon; 'open questions' is plain.
Pattern: an open question
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ Ask an opened question.
✓ Ask an open question.
It's 'open question' (or 'open-ended'), not 'opened'.
Common collocations
an open question— an open question, open-ended question, ask, closed question
Don't confuse it
The opposite is a 'closed question', which usually only needs a 'yes' or 'no' answer.