a daunting question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a daunting question' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult question or situation that causes anxiety or concern. For example: "The entrance exam for the college was a daunting question, and the students felt a lot of pressure to do their best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is a daunting question – but we can take consolation from the fact that, by the time we reach the end of this remarkable, powerful collection, Tempest has answered it convincingly, for herself at least.

The Guardian

This is a daunting question.

Huffington Post

It is a daunting question: when do public displays of sorrow and sympathy become barriers to moving on, especially for the victims' families who drive past them?

The New York Times

For me, at least, this was a daunting question, and I certainly did not feel that I had a clear answer to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The decision to buy a new car, however, raised a daunting question: who, exactly, were we? Car ownership in America, at least since World War II, has posed an exquisite and exemplary paradox of consumerism.

The New York Times - Magazine

A couple of years back, Pinter's publisher put to me a daunting question: "Where," he asked, "are the writers under 30 who have made the same impact Harold and John Osborne had by that age?" I was stumped.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Yet exceeding still-unwritten flood standards is a ruefully far-fetched notion for New York and New Jersey residents, for whom mountains of ruined possessions are the immediate reality and rebuilding at all is a financially daunting question.

The New York Times

However, the rest of America has a rather daunting question to answer in the next week.

Forbes

And as the CEO of that venture, each job seeker must ask a simple yet daunting question: Would you hire you?

Huffington Post

Illiterate, low in social status, and with no option other than hoping for marriage to a good husband, these young women face the daunting question of "what now?" Captivating International, a charity based in Hong Kong, hopes to help bridge this gap.

Huffington Post

And then there is the bigger, daunting question of ethnic identity, which Nassar touches on in a lovely zine made for the show.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a daunting question", ensure the context clearly establishes why the question is perceived as challenging, difficult, or intimidating. Provide sufficient background information or context to justify the use of this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting question" simply as a substitute for "difficult question". Ensure that the question genuinely evokes a sense of unease, anxiety, or challenge due to its complexity, potential consequences, or emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "daunting" modifies the noun "question". It serves to characterize the nature of the question, highlighting its challenging or intimidating quality. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Huffington Post

22%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a daunting question" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a question that is challenging, difficult, and potentially intimidating. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English, highlighting its function as a noun phrase characterizing the difficult nature of a question. It is prevalent in news media and academic writing, conveying a sense of unease or challenge. For alternative expressions, consider using "a challenging question" or "a difficult question", depending on the specific context. Remember to provide sufficient context when using this phrase, ensuring it accurately reflects the perceived challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging question

Emphasizes the difficulty of the question, focusing on the effort required to answer it.

a difficult question

Highlights the complexity and potential for struggle in finding an answer.

a formidable question

Suggests the question presents a significant obstacle or challenge.

an intimidating question

Focuses on the anxiety or apprehension the question might cause.

a tough question

Informal way to express the difficulty of the question.

a complex question

Highlights the intricate nature of the question and its multiple layers.

a problematic question

Indicates the question presents issues or difficulties that need to be resolved.

a vexing question

Suggests the question is troublesome and causes irritation or annoyance.

a thorny question

Implies the question is sensitive and likely to cause disagreement or conflict.

a heavy question

Suggests the question carries significant emotional or intellectual weight.

FAQs

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

Use "a daunting question" to describe a question that seems difficult to answer or face due to its complexity or potential consequences. For example: "The ethics committee faced "a daunting question" regarding the experimental treatment."

What are some alternatives to "a daunting question"?

Alternatives include "a challenging question", "a difficult question", or "a complex question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a daunting question" or should I use a different adjective?

It is perfectly correct to use "a daunting question". The adjective "daunting" appropriately describes a question that appears difficult or intimidating.

What makes a question "daunting" rather than simply "difficult"?

A "daunting" question implies a sense of apprehension, anxiety, or being overwhelmed, which goes beyond mere difficulty. A difficult question might require effort, but a daunting question also invokes fear or hesitation.