To pose two questions means to put two questions to someone or bring up two questions for discussion. In a meeting, “I’d like to pose two questions” tells the group that two separate points are coming. In everyday conversation, “I’d like to ask two questions” says much the same thing in a more direct way. Cambridge Dictionary, “pose”
When you write the questions out, give each one a job. The person replying should be able to answer them separately.
Give each question one job
- Name the topic
- I have two questions about the revised schedule.
- Question one
- Who will approve the draft?
- Question two
- When is the draft due?
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Use pose, ask or raise
All three verbs can introduce a question, but they draw attention to slightly different things. Ask is a natural default when you want an answer from someone. Pose works well when you present a question for a group to think about. Raise often points to a concern or an issue that the discussion has brought up.
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| Where you are writing | Natural example | What the verb does |
|---|---|---|
| A quick message to a colleague | “Can I ask two questions about the draft?” | Invites the colleague to answer. |
| The start of a panel | “I’ll pose two questions for the panel.” | Gives the group two points to consider. |
| A report on a change in policy | “The new schedule raises two questions about coverage.” | Signals that the change creates two issues worth discussing. |
You can pose questions to a person, for a group to consider, or about a subject. For example, “The moderator posed two questions to the authors about their sources.” If you write that a proposal poses a problem, the same verb means that it presents a difficulty. The noun after the verb tells the reader which sense applies.
Turn one crowded request into two questions
Say you need to book a meeting and confirm what everyone should bring. A first draft might read, “Can you tell me when we’re meeting and whether everyone needs to bring a printed copy?” The two requests are present, but the second one is easy to miss when someone replies with a time.
Try this version.
I have two questions about Tuesday’s meeting.
- What time should we arrive?
- Should each person bring a printed copy of the proposal?
Now a reply can say “1. At 10 a.m. 2. One copy per person.” The numbers are useful when people need to refer back to a question. In a short conversation, two separate sentences are usually enough.
Sometimes two requests belong in one question. “Can you confirm the date and time?” asks for two details of one booking. Give the details their own lines when each one can be answered, decided or passed to someone else separately.
Direct questions and questions you report
If you are quoting the two questions directly, give each its own question mark.
“Who approved the changes?” and “When will they take effect?”
If you are reporting the questions in a statement, the sentence can end with a period.
The editor posed two questions about who approved the changes and when they would take effect.
Use this form in meeting notes when you want to record what the editor asked. In an email asking the recipient to act, the direct questions are easier to answer.
Try it in a draft
Pick a request in a recent message. Underline each detail you need the reader to supply. If one answer could leave an important second issue open, write a separate sentence for it. Put the clearer or more urgent question first.
When the questions come from a source you are quoting, keep their wording or paraphrase both clearly. The metonymy guide gives another example of how a small change in wording can affect what the reader thinks a sentence means.
Try the distinction
Which verb fits a quick note to a colleague you need an answer from?
Ask is the plainest choice. “Can I ask two questions about Friday’s handoff?”
Split this into two direct questions. “Could you tell me who owns the brief and when the feedback is due?”
“Who owns the brief?” and “When is the feedback due?” Each can be answered on its own.