a core question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a core question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a fundamental question at the heart of an issue or debate. For example, "The core question of the current political debate is whether taxes should be raised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

There is a core question at the heart of this referendum, which is seldom articulated.

The Guardian - Opinion

A core question in cognitive science concerns how humans acquire and represent knowledge about their environments.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

Soloway sees this conflicted relationship as a core question for feminism.

The Washington Post

Romney, in picking Ryan, turned the election into a vote on a core question: Who can revive America?

The New York Times

As to the substance of such talks, and the prospects for their success, the C.N.A.S. paper sums up a core question: Can Iran say yes?

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, largely unanswered is a core question surrounding the new surveillance model and the fancy data-mining algorithms that come with it.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is not possible to conceive any type of European education policy (complementary or convergent) without the idea of the EDE as a key core question.

European Journal of Futures Research

When analyzing the possibility of a carbon tax, the core question is whether a carbon tax is likely to be less costly and more efficient than existing command and control policies.

Forbes

For a long time the core question about China has been whether a dictatorship with an open market economy can resist its internal contradictions.

The New York Times

Here's a summary of the core question: By about 2050, the human population is expected to reach nine billion.

The New York Times

The best way to keep up is by regularly revisiting and reassessing a few core questions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a core question", ensure that it directly relates to the central argument or problem being discussed. This helps maintain focus and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "a core question" excessively within a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make the writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives or rephrasing the question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most essential or fundamental question related to a particular topic or problem. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used across multiple domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core question" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a fundamental inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across varied contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it serves to highlight essential issues. When writing, ensure the phrase introduces a truly central question and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "a central inquiry" or "a key question" to vary your language. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "a core question" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central inquiry

Focuses on the 'center' of the issue rather than the 'core', implying a slightly broader scope.

a key question

Emphasizes the 'key' aspect, highlighting the question's importance and its potential to unlock understanding.

a fundamental issue

Shifts the focus from a question to an issue, suggesting a problem or point of debate.

a basic inquiry

Highlights the foundational nature of the question, emphasizing its simplicity and essentiality.

the main point of contention

Focuses on the disagreement or dispute, framing the question as the primary source of conflict.

a critical question

Emphasizes the importance and urgency of the question, suggesting that it requires immediate attention.

a primary concern

Shifts the emphasis to a concern, indicating something that is causing anxiety or worry.

a central theme

Highlights the recurring element or idea within a discussion or piece of work.

a pivotal question

Stresses the turning point or decisive nature of the question, implying it can significantly change the course of a discussion.

a significant problem

Changes the focus to a problem, which may or may not be framed as a question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a core question" to introduce the most important question related to the topic you are discussing. For example, "A core question in economics is how to distribute resources fairly".

What's the difference between "a core question" and "a key question"?

While both phrases highlight the importance of a question, "a core question" emphasizes its fundamental nature, while "a key question" suggests it unlocks understanding or is crucial for progress.

What can I say instead of "a core question"?

You can use alternatives like "a central inquiry", "a fundamental issue", or "a basic inquiry" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "a core question" in my writing?

No, it's not always necessary. Sometimes the core question is implied through the context. However, explicitly stating "a core question" can provide clarity and focus for your audience.