1

Can I call a question like

Do you want a red or blue eraser?

an 'alternative question' or should I call it a 'question with two alternatives'?

Improve this question
0

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

You can call them binary questions.

binary adjective Relating to, composed of, or involving two things. ‘To avoid the binary thinking that collapses complexity, it is necessary to assess both similarities and differences while watchful for the excesses of either prejudice.’ - ODO

Here are some usage examples:

  • A binary question is one with two possible answers, such as yes or no, or equivalently, true or false, or even one or zero. - Quantum Structural Studies

  • Use Binary and Non-Binary Questions When Selling - Michael Angelo Caruso

  • What is a binary question? It is a question that only requires only two possible answers. (Example:Yes or No) - answers.com

Regarding whether such questions may be called alternative questions or questions with two alternatives: the latter is fine, but the natural reading of the term alternative question is another question that one might answer instead of the 'primary' question. For example, in a guessing game that has a question that is difficult to answer, you might have an alternative question that is easier to answer but gives you fewer points.

Improve this answer
4
  • But is 'Binary Question' the best option? I've never come across this being used, in day-to-day conversations.
    – Varun Nair
    Commented Oct 30, 2017 at 11:48
  • @VarunNair I think so :) . But you don't have to take my word for it. Have a look at the usage examples I provided.
    – Lawrence
    Commented Oct 30, 2017 at 11:51
  • I'm not saying it's wrong. It's actually a very good alternative. But I'm not sure it's that commonly used, that's all
    – Varun Nair
    Commented Oct 30, 2017 at 11:59
  • @VarunNair I suppose multiple-choice questions are more common in tests, but binary questions have a respectable representation in Ngram, where "question with two alternatives" doesn't even get a mention.
    – Lawrence
    Commented Oct 30, 2017 at 12:33
1

If I had to pick one from the two you provided, I'd go with 'alternate question'. The second one, is however very tricky and can be ambiguous.

If you tell me 'a question with two alternatives', I can either interpret it as:

a question with two solutions or options.

or

a question, with two alternative questions.

You could even try multiple-choice question, but then again, that's a question with more than one solution, and can have two, three or any number of choices.

Or you could simply call it 'a question with two choices'.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .