direct questions
Asking without hedging
Direct questions are questions posed straightforwardly, with interrogative syntax and usually a question mark: Where are you going?
They contrast with indirect questions, which embed the query in a larger statement: I wonder where you are going.
In grammar instruction, distinguishing the two helps explain word order and punctuation differences.
Exactness of detail
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- elucidationAct of explaining clearly
- explanationStatement making something clear
- disambiguationRemoving uncertainty about meaning
rephrasing · paraphrasing · follow-up · probing · pointed · explicit · unambiguous · straightforward
Spoken exchange between parties
- dialecticLogical argument through opposition
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- philosophicalConcerned with fundamental truths
- pedagogicalRelating to teaching methods
guided · teaching · critical thinking · reasoning · examination · intellectual · Socrates · method
Evaluative selection process
- vettingEvaluating suitability through investigation
- qualificationRequired skill or condition
- behavioralRelating to conduct
- situationalDependent on circumstances
competency · panel · one-on-one · icebreaker · rapport-building · probing · follow-up · structured
Request for information
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- inquisitivenessEager desire to learn
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- interestAttention, stake, or fee
learning · discovery · pondering · open-ended · genuine · sincere · authentic · childlike
Dull or tactlessly direct
- pointedTapering to a tip
- challengingHard to accomplish
- accusatoryExpressing blame or fault
- demandingRequiring great effort
assertive · bold · frank · candid · unfiltered · uncomfortable · hard-hitting · tough
Formal, probing examination
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- witnessOne who attests
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
evidence · alibi · forensic · detective · fact-finding · sworn · under oath · on the record
specificity
Exactness of detail
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- elucidationAct of explaining clearly
- explanationStatement making something clear
disambiguation · rephrasing · paraphrasing · follow-up · probing · pointed · explicit · unambiguous · straightforward · clarifying
dialogue
Spoken exchange between parties
- dialecticLogical argument through opposition
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- philosophicalConcerned with fundamental truths
pedagogical · guided · teaching · critical thinking · reasoning · examination · intellectual · Socrates · method · classroom
screening
Evaluative selection process
- vettingEvaluating suitability through investigation
- qualificationRequired skill or condition
- behavioralRelating to conduct
situational · competency · panel · one-on-one · icebreaker · rapport-building · probing · follow-up · structured · unstructured
inquiry
Request for information
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- inquisitivenessEager desire to learn
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
interest · learning · discovery · pondering · open-ended · genuine · sincere · authentic · childlike · naive
blunt
Dull or tactlessly direct
- pointedTapering to a tip
- challengingHard to accomplish
- accusatoryExpressing blame or fault
demanding · assertive · bold · frank · candid · unfiltered · uncomfortable · hard-hitting · tough · grilling
interrogation
Formal, probing examination
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- witnessOne who attests
testimony · evidence · alibi · forensic · detective · fact-finding · sworn · under oath · on the record · suspect
- questionsinquiry, query, interrogatives, what, who
- yes/no questionstrue or false, do you, is it, are you, would you
direct questionshints
Indirect suggestions
indirect questions · suggestions · insinuations · implications · beating around the bush
direct, question, directly, direction, directness, director, directory, directive, indirect