a better question is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a better question is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to redirect the conversation or discussion to a more relevant or insightful question. Example: "While many people ask about the cost, a better question is how this investment will benefit our long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A better question is: Is Hollywood Mexican enough?

Los Angeles Times

A better question is: Is Hollywood Mexican enough?" he wrote in a widely circulated essay for the Hollywood Reporter in 2014.

Los Angeles Times

A better question is: who else will?

The New Yorker

A better question is: is Hollywood Mexican enough?

The Guardian

A better question is where should the teeth be at the end of treatment?

International Orthodontics

Or maybe a better question is: Why is there ice in the lobby men's room urinals?

The New York Times - Travel

A better question is whether today's Republicans have any ideas worth stealing.

The Economist

JW: I think a better question is, hasn't everyone been catfished at some point?

The New York Times

A better question is whether the official projections are too pessimistic about the growth in productivity.

The New York Times

A better question is what right to privacy does each of us have?

Nature

A better question is to ask if climate change has influenced a particular event.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a better question is" to redirect discussions towards more productive or insightful inquiries, ensuring that the focus shifts to the core issue at hand.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "a better question is". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent the text from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a better question is" functions as a discourse marker, specifically used to introduce a more pertinent or insightful question than one previously posed or implied. It serves to redirect the focus of a conversation or analysis, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a better question is" is a versatile phrase used to redirect conversations toward more insightful inquiries. As Ludwig's examples show, it's prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. This phrase is grammatically correct and functions effectively as a discourse marker to reframe questions and improve the focus of discussions. When writing, use this phrase to guide your audience to a deeper understanding of the topic and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more relevant question is

Focuses on the relevance of the question.

a more pertinent question is

Highlights the importance and directness of the question.

the real question is

Emphasizes that this is the essential question to consider.

the key question is

Indicates the most important question among others.

a more insightful question is

Highlights the depth and understanding the question brings.

perhaps a better question is

Introduces the question with a degree of uncertainty or suggestion.

instead, consider this question

Offers an alternative question for consideration.

another way to put it is

Changes the framing to present the issue as a different question.

a different angle to consider is

Suggests looking at the issue from another point of view phrased as a question.

the underlying issue is

Draws attention to the fundamental problem that needs to be questioned.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a better question is" in writing?

Use "a better question is" to pivot from a less effective line of inquiry to one that offers deeper insight or relevance. For example, instead of asking about surface-level details, use the phrase to introduce a question that addresses underlying causes or long-term implications.

What phrases are similar to "a better question is"?

Alternatives include "a more relevant question is", "the real question is", or "the key question is". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a better question is"?

It's appropriate when you want to redirect a conversation or analysis towards a more productive or insightful angle. Use it when the initial question is leading to a dead end or missing the central point.

Is "a better question is" always a polite way to reframe a question?

While generally polite, the effectiveness of "a better question is" depends on the context and tone. Ensure that you are not dismissing the original question outright, but rather offering a more constructive or insightful alternative. Acknowledge the initial question before reframing it.