a continuing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a continuing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that remains relevant or unresolved over time. Example: "The issue of climate change is a continuing question that scientists and policymakers must address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A continuing question for both programs is the issue of academic credit.

Princeton University

A continuing question has been whether to admit girls or establish an equivalent girls' school.

The New York Times

With the widespread strikes, protests and riots there has been a continuing question of governability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether Mr. Gates might be called as a witness was a continuing question during the antitrust trial.

The New York Times

In Carrère's investigation the corollary to "What is truth?" is "Who am I?" -- a continuing question for the author, who once began a novel about a woman who lives a double life.

The New York Times - Books

A continuing question is the physiological role of the molecular complex of DDX3 and IPS-1 during replication of HCV in hepatocytes.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

So there is a continuing question-mark about the scale of engagement on Line's platform — especially how engaged users are outside its home market of Japan — and also the cost of user-acquisition for the business, which has deployed high profile TV ad campaigns in some of its markets to help drive sign-ups.

TechCrunch

It doesn't seem like there's a plot, just this continuing question of "Is she going to make it?" The film feels like a documentary – like I'm looking at things that people would prefer to keep private.

The Guardian - Film

A second problem is the continuing question of whether or not the sacred is a universal category.

Encyclopedia Britannica

11.55am: Downing Street sounds a little exasperated by the continuing questions about WikiLeaks in general and Mervyn King's comments in particular.

The Guardian

President Trump partook in traditional Memorial Day ceremonies to honor the nation's war dead on Monday, a brief respite from the continuing questions about Jared Kushner's outreach to Russian officials.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a continuing question", ensure the context clearly establishes the relevance and importance of the question over time. This strengthens the phrase's impact and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a continuing question" when referring to issues that are only temporarily unresolved or insignificant. Overusing it can diminish its impact and suggest unwarranted importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a continuing question" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a subject of inquiry that persists over time, maintaining relevance and requiring ongoing attention. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a continuing question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an issue that remains unresolved and relevant over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it finds prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When employing the phrase, focus on highlighting the question’s enduring nature. Alternatives such as "an ongoing query" or "an open question" can offer similar shades of meaning, depending on the desired emphasis. Its neutral yet slightly formal tone makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing query

Focuses on the active and unresolved state of the question.

a persistent inquiry

Emphasizes the question's enduring nature and resistance to resolution.

a recurring issue

Shifts the focus to the problematic or debatable nature of the question.

an unresolved matter

Highlights the lack of a definitive answer or solution.

an open question

Indicates the question remains to be answered, without any presumption of its degree of difficulty or importance.

a lingering doubt

Focuses on the uncertainty or skepticism associated with the question.

a standing challenge

Frames the question as a problem that requires effort and ingenuity to overcome.

a perennial debate

Highlights the cyclical and often repetitive nature of discussions surrounding the question.

a consistent concern

Emphasizes the worry or unease associated with the question.

a central dilemma

Presents the question as a difficult choice between equally undesirable options.

FAQs

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

You can use "a continuing question" to refer to an issue that remains relevant or unresolved over time. For example: "The impact of social media on mental health is "a continuing question" for researchers."

What are some alternatives to "a continuing question"?

Some alternatives include "an ongoing query", "a persistent inquiry", or "an open question", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "a continuing question" or "an ongoing question"?

Both "a continuing question" and "an ongoing question" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "a continuing question" and "a recurring question"?

"A continuing question" emphasizes the unresolved nature of the issue over time, while "a recurring question" highlights that the same question comes up repeatedly. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.