Say it like this
- Run a query against the database
- I have a quick query about the API response
- Let me query the logs to find the error
Use it at work
Database
- This query takes ten seconds. Can we add an index?
- Can you share the query you used for the report?
Debugging
- The query returns duplicates.
- Run EXPLAIN on the query to see the plan.
Asking questions
- Quick query about the invoice.
- I have a query about the contract.
Don't say this
In tech contexts, query is the correct term when accessing databases. Question is too informal and general.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your manager asks you to find out how many users signed up last month. What do you say?
2. The _______ was taking too long, so we added an index to speed it up.
3. Which sentence uses query incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using query: 'I need to ask the database to show me all orders from the last 30 days.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Run a query against the database"
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More about query
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"Yesterday I optimized the user lookup query and it now runs three times faster."
- in a code review
"This query is missing a WHERE clause, which means it will select all rows instead of just the ones we need."
- in a team meeting
"I have a query: should we cache the results of this database query to improve performance?"
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not confuse query (a request for information) with quarry (a mining site). Also avoid using query as a general synonym for question in non-technical contexts.
- ✕Can you query why this feature is broken?✓Can you investigate why this feature is broken? or Can you query the error logs?
Query cannot be used as a replacement for ask why in problem-solving. Use it for data retrieval or express doubt with a different structure.
- ✕The query returned 0 results so there is no data.✓The query returned 0 results, so either there is no data or the WHERE condition is too restrictive.
An empty query result does not always mean no data exists—the query itself might be filtering incorrectly.
Other forms(4)
- query noun
"The SQL query retrieved 1,500 customer records from the database."
- queries noun plural
"We optimized three slow queries in the reporting module last week."
- query verb
"You can query the API endpoint to check if the user exists."
- queried verb past tense
"She queried the database and found 47 duplicate entries."
Often used with(6)
- run a query · Most common phrase meaning to execute a query in a database
- database query · The standard phrase combining database with query
- query performance · How fast a query executes; often discussed in optimization
- complex query · A query with multiple joins, conditions, or aggregations
- query optimization · The process of making queries run faster and use fewer resources
- query result or query results · The data returned by executing a query
Similar words(3)
- request · More general; query is more specific to data retrieval
- question · More informal; query is more professional and technical
- search · Broader term; query is more precise for database operations
Questions(5)
- What does query mean in software engineering?
- In software engineering, a query is a command or request sent to a database (or other data source) to retrieve, update, or delete information. The most common type is a SELECT query, which retrieves data. You write queries in languages like SQL to get specific information based on conditions you define. For example, a query might ask the database to show all customers whose account balance is over 1000 dollars.
- How do you use query in a sentence at work?
- You can use query as a noun or a verb. As a noun: The database query returned 523 results. As a verb: Can you query the authentication logs to see when this user last logged in? In meetings, you might say I have a quick query about the API design, meaning you have a question. In code reviews, you might say This query needs optimization because it scans the entire table.
- Is query formal or informal?
- Query is neutral to formal. It is professional and technical, used in code, documentation, and formal meetings. It is more professional than saying ask or question when referring to database operations. However, saying I have a query about this is still professional even in casual conversations with colleagues.
- What is the difference between a query and a request?
- A query is a specific type of request used in databases and systems to retrieve or modify data. Request is broader and can mean any kind of asking for something. In tech, query is more technical and precise, while request is more general.
- Why is query optimization important?
- Query optimization is important because poorly written queries waste database resources, slow down applications, and frustrate users. Optimized queries reduce server load, decrease response times, and save money on infrastructure costs. This is why senior engineers spend time analyzing and improving slow queries.
