a deeper question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deeper question of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a more profound or complex issue that requires further exploration or consideration. Example: "While the surface issue is important, there is a deeper question of what motivates people's actions in this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the remarks also point to a deeper question of whether indicting corporations is effective.

The New York Times

But as a smaller country it wants the commission to have big coercive powers from monitoring budgets to financial sanctions to the loss of voting rights and even of euro membership.We didn't vote for thisBeyond such euro-theology, there is a deeper question of democracy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Echoing Zarakolu, she said, "for those of us who are Turkish … it is a deep question of conscience.

The Guardian - Books

War and economic crisis have always augmented the powers of the White House, and for the foreseeable future Mr Obama will continue to enjoy the dubious "benefits" of both.The questionable mandateThere is, besides, a deeper question to be asked of those who sum up the present deadlock in terms of Congress blocking Mr Obama's mandate.

The Economist

By 1976, when he moved into management, any deeper question of winning or losing was essentially resolved.

The Guardian

But it couldn't be more vital, as we discuss what kind of trade relationship we want with Europe, to remember that trade is just a subset of a deeper question: what kind of people do we want to be?

The Guardian - Opinion

But the disposition theory is addressing a deeper question: in virtue of what does this creature have a capacity to grasp egocentric spatial contents to begin with?

SEP

When I meet new people in social settings, the conversational question of, "What do you do for a living?" often leads people to ask me the follow-up question, "So are you analyzing me?" While it's said in a fun, playful manner, I think it speaks to a deeper question that all of us face.

Huffington Post

But there is a deeper question behind the issue of whether or not to save the Doha Round.

Independent

Beyond the electoral mathematics of Glasgow's supposedly monolithic Labour majorities is a deeper question: how did the city of Red Clydeside, Jimmy Reid and the anti-poll tax protests – a Labour heartland for a century, which voted by 54.5% to support independence in last September's independence referendum – lose faith with the party?

The Guardian

The two hardest-hit banks, RBS and HBOS, were both far too big to fail, and higher LIBOR rates would have made the regulators' job of supporting them more difficult.This highlights a deeper question: what is the right level of involvement in influencing or regulating market interest rates, in a crisis, by those responsible for financial stability?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deeper question of" to introduce an issue that goes beyond the surface level and requires more thorough investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "a deeper question of" when simply referring to a complex issue. Ensure the question genuinely delves into a more fundamental or underlying aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deeper question of" functions as an introducer of a significant underlying issue. It shifts focus from surface-level concerns to more profound inquiries. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is used to highlight the fundamental nature of a problem.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deeper question of" is a phrase used to introduce a fundamental issue that needs more consideration. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. While not exceptionally frequent, it effectively signals a need to delve beyond surface-level complexities. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "a more profound inquiry into" or "a more fundamental issue regarding". When using the phrase, ensure that the question indeed represents a deeper layer of inquiry, rather than just a complex issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more profound inquiry into

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of the investigation.

a more fundamental issue regarding

Highlights the foundational nature of the problem.

a more significant matter concerning

Underscores the importance and relevance of the issue.

a central question surrounding

Highlights the importance of that question with respect to its context.

a more complex problem involving

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

a more thorough examination of

Suggests a comprehensive and detailed investigation.

a more intricate consideration of

Stresses the detailed and nuanced analysis required.

a crucial aspect relating to

Highlights the critical importance of the specific aspect.

a further question about

Implies a continuation of inquiry and the subsequent nature of the question.

an underlying concern in

Indicates a hidden or not immediately obvious source of worry.

FAQs

How can I use "a deeper question of" in a sentence?

Use "a deeper question of" to introduce a more fundamental or underlying issue that requires further exploration. For example: "Beyond the immediate concerns, there's "a deeper question of" long-term sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "a deeper question of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a more profound inquiry into", "a more fundamental issue regarding", or "an underlying concern in" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a deeper question of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a deeper question of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the significance and underlying nature of an issue. Its use is demonstrated in numerous reputable news sources and academic papers.

What's the difference between "a deeper question of" and "a complex issue"?

"A complex issue" refers to something with many interconnected parts, while ""a deeper question of"" suggests an underlying or more fundamental inquiry that needs to be addressed. While an issue may be complex, ""a deeper question of"" implies a need to go beyond the surface-level complexities.