a defining question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is crucial or pivotal in understanding a topic or making a decision. Example: "In the context of climate change, what is the defining question we must address to create effective policies?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

-LOJZE SKOK Ljubljana, Slovenia A defining question In "The science terminators" (Nov. 1, 1999) you suggest that "Hybrid corns date back to the 1920′s.

Forbes

Low price or decent protection: a defining question of the age.

The Guardian - Opinion

What she had to say encapsulates a defining question in Scottish politics in 2018.

The Times

As Seton tells me in his Newtown studio: "This is a defining question asked of our generation.

The Guardian - Arts

A defining question arises that goes beyond the fabric to the people: will the new surburbanites change or be changed by their new surroundings?

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a defining question to New Yorkers, whose identities and allegiances can be reflected in the smallest of things, from a Cyclones sweatshirt to the 212 area code.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Unlike a systematic review, a scoping review does not begin with a defined question [ 14].

BMC Health Services Research

Each workshop addressed a defined question: (1) How can we provide equitable gene testing to ovarian patients and their families?

Genome Medicine

Certainly the question of whether an increase of plasma glucose into the diabetic range increases or decreases proximal tubular fluid reabsorption is a defined question that should be answerable, and the impression that even this limited question appears to be model-dependent is somewhat disappointing.The deviations presented in Table 1 are SEMs.

F1000Research

No one in Mexico seems to have an answer for this essential, defining question.

Los Angeles Times

A clearly defined question is a necessary requirement for a good experimental design.

Data Handling in Science and Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defining question" when you want to emphasize that the question is central to understanding a complex issue or making an important decision.

Common error

Avoid using "defining" excessively in your writing; vary your language with synonyms like "pivotal", "key", or "crucial" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It highlights a query that is fundamental or critical, shaping the context of the surrounding discussion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a defining question" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is typically used to introduce a central and crucial query in a given context, often shaping the subsequent discussion or analysis. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage spans across diverse fields like News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the question truly represents a pivotal point in understanding the topic at hand, and consider varying your language to avoid overuse of the word "defining". Alternatives include "a pivotal question" or "a crucial question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal question

Emphasizes the turning-point nature of the question.

a crucial question

Stresses the critical importance of the question.

a key question

Highlights the importance of the question.

a central question

Indicates the question is at the core of the matter.

a core question

Similar to "central question", emphasizing the heart of the issue.

an essential question

Points out the fundamental nature of the question.

a fundamental question

Highlights the basic and foundational nature of the question.

a critical issue

Shifts from a question to a broader issue, but with defining implications.

a make-or-break question

Highlights the decisive impact of the question.

the million-dollar question

Emphasizes the great value and difficulty of answering the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defining question" to introduce a central inquiry or problem. For example: "The ethical implications present "a defining question" for researchers in the field".

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

You can use alternatives like "a pivotal question", "a key question", or "a crucial question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a defining question" or "the defining question"?

"A defining question" is generally used when referring to one of several important questions. "The defining question" is used when referring to the single, most important question.

What makes a question "defining"?

A "defining" question is one that significantly shapes understanding, decisions, or outcomes. It often addresses core issues and has far-reaching implications.