Out of the Question – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever suggested an idea—like skipping work to go to the beach—and someone replied, “That’s out of the question!”? In English, this strong phrase means something is completely impossible, unacceptable, or not even worth discussing. It’s not just unlikely—it’s ruled out entirely.
What Does “Out of the Question” Mean?
“Out of the question” means something cannot happen, is not allowed, or is totally unacceptable. Think of it like a door that’s been locked and labeled “NO ENTRY.” It’s stronger than “unlikely” or “difficult”—it means “no way,” “not an option,” or “absolutely not.”
When to Use It
Use “out of the question” in firm, clear, or serious conversations:
• When setting boundaries: “Borrowing my car? Out of the question!”
• In family or work decisions: “Missing the deadline is out of the question.”
• When something violates rules or values: “Lying to the client is out of the question.”
It’s neutral in tone but carries strong emphasis—common in speaking, drama, news, and decisive statements. Avoid it for minor preferences; save it for true dealbreakers.
Example Sentences
- “Can I stay out until 3 a.m.?” “That’s out of the question.”
- With our budget, a luxury vacation is out of the question.
- He said quitting halfway was out of the question—he’d promised to finish.
- After what happened, returning to that company is out of the question.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “What if we just cancel the event and refund everyone?”
Jamie: “Out of the question. We’ve worked on this for six months.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “out of the question” with “out of the blue” (which means unexpected). Also, never say “out of question” without “the”—it’s always “out of the question.” And remember: it’s used for total impossibility, not just inconvenience.
❌ Don’t say: “Eating dessert is out of question.” (Missing “the”!)
✅ Do say: “Skipping safety checks is out of the question.”
✅ Do say: “He said it was out of the question to delay the launch.”
Practice Tip
Next time someone suggests something truly unacceptable or impossible, respond firmly: “That’s out of the question.” Or reflect on a past limit: “At the time, moving abroad was out of the question.” Using the phrase with real boundaries builds confident, natural English.
Final Note
Now you can use “out of the question” to shut down impossible ideas with clarity and authority. It’s a crisp, powerful phrase that native speakers use when something simply cannot happen. Keep listening for it in movies, debates, and firm conversations. You’re not just learning words—you’re learning how people draw lines with confidence. Keep going—you’ve got this!