a disturbing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disturbing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that causes discomfort or unease, often due to its sensitive or unsettling nature. Example: "During the discussion, she posed a disturbing question that left everyone in the room silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The droughts raise a disturbing question: Could the great dieback predicted for midcentury already be starting?

The New York Times

Behind all these tableaus of testosterone, a disturbing question lurks: Are men losing interest in sex?

The New York Times

"They'd ask us, 'How many condoms can I legally carry?' " Ms. Baskin said, adding, "That's a disturbing question, because it's not a crime to carry condoms".

The New York Times

The discovery raised a disturbing question: could DDT — the deadly pesticide that has been banned in the United States since 1972 — produce condor reproductive problems nearly four decades later?

The New York Times - Science

The complexity on show is mind-boggling, but immediately raises a disturbing question: how on earth does the whole shebang keep going for the decades of a human life without grinding to a halt?

The Guardian

Taken together, they point to a disturbing question: Is the Indian justice system competent, consistent and fair enough to grant the state the moral authority to terminate a human life?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In a community estimated to host several hundred NGOs, charities and agencies, sucking in millions of dollars in foreign aid, such a fundamental error raises a more disturbing question: if so many people are so wrong about something so basic, what else isn't true?

The Guardian

That raises a moderately disturbing question: To what degree is Smith's anxiety a way of rationalizing an aggressive desire that the spotlight not be moved off him until he is done talking?

The New York Times - Books

"Now, there's a profoundly disturbing question," he said.

The New Yorker

(Lee) 'BODY OF LIES' (R, 2 06) Ridley Scott's new movie raises a potentially disturbing question.

The New York Times

(Manohla Dargis) 'BODY OF LIES' (R, 2 06) Ridley Scott's new movie raises a potentially disturbing question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a disturbing question", provide sufficient context to prepare the audience for the unsettling nature of the inquiry. This approach helps manage potential discomfort or resistance.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when posing "a disturbing question". Present the question directly and allow the audience to draw their own conclusions about its implications. Excessive adjectives can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disturbing question" functions as a noun phrase, where 'disturbing' acts as a pre-modifying adjective specifying the type of question. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a disturbing question" effectively introduces a query that elicits unease or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While connotations are often negative, its purpose is to highlight unsettling issues, prompting reflection and discussion. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to provide context to prepare the audience and avoid overly dramatic language. Alternatives like "a troubling question" or "an unsettling question" can offer similar meanings with varying nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disquieting question

Uses 'disquieting' instead of 'disturbing', highlighting the loss of peace or tranquility.

a disconcerting question

Uses 'disconcerting' instead of 'disturbing', emphasizing the confusion or unease it causes.

a worrisome question

Substitutes 'disturbing' with 'worrisome', focusing on the anxiety the question provokes.

a worrying question

Substitutes 'disturbing' with 'worrying', focusing on the anxiety or concern the question provokes.

a distressing question

Substitutes 'disturbing' with 'distressing', focusing on the emotional pain or suffering the question causes.

a startling question

Replaces 'disturbing' with 'startling', emphasizing surprise rather than unease.

a frightening question

Replaces 'disturbing' with 'frightening', highlighting the fear or alarm the question evokes.

a troublesome question

Replaces 'disturbing' with 'troublesome', shifting the focus to the difficulty or problem the question presents.

a shocking question

Uses 'shocking' instead of 'disturbing', emphasizing the surprise and potential offense caused by the question.

a profound question

This shifts the focus from the emotional impact to the depth and significance of the question, rather than it's unsettling nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a disturbing question" to introduce a query that causes unease or discomfort. For instance, "The witness's testimony raised "a disturbing question" about the defendant's alibi".

What's the difference between "a disturbing question" and "a disquieting question"?

While both phrases convey unease, "a disturbing question" suggests something more unsettling or troubling, while "a disquieting question" implies a loss of peace or tranquility.

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

You can use alternatives like "a troubling question", "an unsettling question", or "a worrying question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a disturbing question" always negative?

While the phrase often carries negative connotations due to the unsettling nature of the question, its negativity depends on the context and the specific issue being addressed. It can also highlight important, though uncomfortable, truths.