a demanding question

USAGE SUMMARY

"a demanding question" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a complex or difficult question. For example: "The professor posed a demanding question to the class that required deep analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We expected Q5 and Q6 to indicate the illusion, Q9 and Q10 were to examine whether the illusion vanished after completion of the experiment, and Q11 was an overall summary indicator of the strength of the illusion, and quite a demanding question since it refers to having a 'very strong' illusion.

Plosone

However, conceptual understanding does not automatically follow from the act of posing a demanding question, but rather originates from a cascade of mental operations in search for a satisfying answer (Chin and Brown 2000).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For many children, this is an extremely demanding question and one many will not be developmentally ready for.

The Guardian

The Advanced Extension Award (AEA) uses the same syllabus as A-level, but asks more demanding questions.

The Economist

We do not have any information on dropout regarding work capacity but it can be expected that individuals with low mental work capacity refrain to a higher degree from participation in a questionnaire study with a large number of cognitively demanding questions [ 44].

BMC Psychiatry

We must call climate change what it is -- a demanding, demurring moral question.

Huffington Post

For writers such as Per Petterson, Jan Kjerstad and Henning Mankell, Africa is the antithesis of Scandinavian ease and affluence, a question demanding an answer.

The Guardian - Books

Whether aerosols play any role in the transmission of influenza is a question demanding an answer; it is clear that we do not yet have that answer.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

"It's essentially a supply-and-demand question".

The New York Times

It's a supply-and-demand question.

TechCrunch

Robyn's "Body Talk" trilogy became an excuse to lead a nightly aerobic session that demanded a question of every other live musician: Why so sleepy?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a demanding question", ensure the context clarifies what makes the question demanding: is it the complexity, the knowledge required, or the emotional impact?

Common error

Avoid assuming the question is demanding for everyone. Specify who finds it demanding – experts, novices, or a particular group – to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a demanding question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'demanding' modifies the noun 'question'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a demanding question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a question that requires considerable effort or knowledge to answer. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds application across diverse fields like science and news reporting. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what makes the question demanding and for whom. Consider alternatives like "a challenging inquiry" or "a difficult query" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, the key is context and clarity in communicating the complexity of the question at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry' to denote a more formal or investigative nature, and 'demanding' with 'challenging' to slightly soften the implication of difficulty.

a difficult query

Substitutes 'question' with 'query', implying a search for information, and replaces 'demanding' with 'difficult' for a simpler expression of complexity.

a complex problem to address

Transforms the 'question' into a 'problem', indicating a situation that requires solving, and adds 'to address' to emphasize the need for action.

a thought-provoking issue

Shifts the focus to the mental stimulation the question provides, using 'thought-provoking' instead of 'demanding'.

a profound matter to consider

Elevates the question to a 'profound matter', suggesting significant depth and importance, replacing 'demanding' with 'to consider'.

an intricate point for discussion

Highlights the complex nature of the question using 'intricate' and frames it as a 'point for discussion'.

a rigorous line of questioning

Focuses on the process of questioning, emphasizing its thoroughness and strictness with 'rigorous'.

a testing subject to explore

Uses 'testing' to suggest that the subject will challenge one's abilities or knowledge, altering 'question' to 'subject to explore'.

a searching request

Replaces 'question' with 'request' which is qualified by 'searching' to convey it is thorough and incisive.

a critical topic

Transforms the question to 'topic' to emphasize significance and importance. Critical reflects the demanding nature of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a demanding question" to describe a query that requires significant thought, knowledge, or effort to answer. For example, "The professor posed a demanding question that challenged the students' understanding of quantum physics".

What's the difference between "a demanding question" and "a challenging question"?

While both phrases describe difficult questions, "a demanding question" implies a need for specific knowledge or effort, whereas "a challenging question" often suggests a test of one's abilities or problem-solving skills.

What are some synonyms for "a demanding question"?

Some alternatives to "a demanding question" include "a difficult query", "a complex problem to address", or "a thought-provoking issue". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a demanding question" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing intellectual challenges or rigorous inquiries. However, consider the audience and ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.