a burning question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a burning question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a question that is of great importance or urgency, often one that many people are eager to have answered. Example: "The burning question on everyone's mind is how we can address climate change effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But they had a burning question.

The New York Times

Have a burning question about the "Little House" stories?

The New Yorker

"It's such a burning question when you're adopted," he said.

The New York Times

Do you have a burning question that's remained unanswered throughout?

The Guardian - Opinion

That is the question: and a burning question it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is, in fact, a burning question in employment law.

The New York Times

"Within another six months, it will be a burning question," he predicted.

The New Yorker

Is there a burning question you've been waiting to put to him?

The Guardian - Music

"Jersey Guy" doesn't generate enough sparks to make this a burning question.

The New York Times

"David burst into a room of college students with a burning question to ask our rabbi.

The New York Times

I HAVE a burning question for those clueless, self-absorbed troglodytes who honk their horns in residential neighborhoods.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a burning question" when you want to emphasize the urgency or importance of a question. It's particularly effective when the question is widely discussed or of great concern to many people.

Common error

Avoid using "a burning question" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it might sound slightly informal compared to options like "a critical question" or "a central concern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a burning question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a question of significant importance and urgency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to highlight issues that demand immediate attention, effectively capturing the widespread concern surrounding a specific inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a burning question" is a powerful way to convey the urgency and importance of an inquiry. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, to highlight pressing issues. While "a burning question" effectively captures attention, writers should consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "a crucial inquiry" or "a vital issue" in academic or professional settings. Overall, understanding the nuances of "a burning question" allows for more impactful and appropriate communication, ensuring that critical inquiries receive the attention they deserve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pressing matter

Focuses on the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a crucial inquiry

Emphasizes the importance and critical nature of the question being asked.

a vital issue

Highlights the significance and essential nature of the topic.

an urgent query

Stresses the need for a prompt response or resolution.

a central concern

Indicates that the question is a core element of a larger problem or discussion.

a foremost question

Suggests that the question is at the top of a list of priorities.

a key question

Highlights the importance of the question to unlock understanding.

a critical question

Emphasizes the decisive and essential nature of the question.

a major issue

Points out the large-scale impact and relevance of the question.

a significant problem

Implies that resolving the question is important for overall progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a burning question" in a sentence?

You can use "a burning question" to highlight a pressing issue or concern, as in "The "burning question" is whether we can achieve our climate goals by 2030".

What are some alternatives to "a burning question"?

Consider using phrases like "a pressing matter", "a "crucial inquiry"", or "a "vital issue"" to convey a similar sense of urgency and importance.

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

It is appropriate in news articles, blog posts, and general discussions where you want to emphasize the importance of a particular question. However, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional contexts.

What makes "a burning question" different from "an important question"?

"A burning question" implies a higher degree of urgency and widespread interest compared to simply "an important question". It suggests that the question is not only significant but also demands immediate attention.