a fundamental question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you would like to refer to something that is important and essential to understand the topic being discussed. For example, "What is the meaning of life is a fundamental question that has been debated for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a fundamental question.

The New York Times

"It is a fundamental question of trust".

The New York Times

This raises a fundamental question.

The New York Times

"Why we sleep is a fundamental question.

The Guardian

"Our country faces a fundamental question.

The Guardian

I mean, it's a fundamental question.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The project starts with a fundamental question.

Cornell University

That's a fundamental question that is a very difficult one.

The New Yorker

That raises a fundamental question: Will the policies be affordable?

The New York Times

JK: There is a fundamental question about reputation.

The Guardian - Tech

Researchers also are struggling with a fundamental question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fundamental question" to introduce core inquiries that need addressing to understand a topic thoroughly.

Common error

Avoid starting every paragraph or section with "a fundamental question". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental question" serves as a noun phrase that introduces a core issue requiring exploration or resolution. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its role in framing significant inquiries across diverse fields, reinforcing its function as an initiator of in-depth discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental question" is a frequently used phrase to introduce important and essential inquiries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into a wide array of contexts from scientific research to news reporting. The phrase signals the introduction of a core issue, prompting deeper exploration and analysis. While its usage is widespread, it is advisable to avoid overuse, particularly in introductions, to maintain the reader's engagement. Related phrases such as "a core question" and "a key question" can serve as effective alternatives to keep your writing dynamic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core question

Emphasizes the central and essential nature of the question.

a key question

Highlights the importance and significance of the question.

a central question

Focuses on the question being a primary focus of attention or consideration.

a basic question

Suggests the question is foundational and elementary.

a foundational question

Indicates the question is fundamental to a particular field or understanding.

an essential question

Stresses the critical and indispensable nature of the question.

a pivotal question

Highlights that the question is a turning point.

a critical question

Emphasizes the importance and potentially decisive nature of the question.

a primary question

Indicates the question is of first importance or priority.

a significant question

Highlights the importance and consequence of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental question" to introduce a core inquiry that needs to be addressed, such as, "How does this work? is a fundamental question in engineering."

What are some alternatives to "a fundamental question"?

You can use alternatives like "a core question", "a key question", or "a central question" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a fundamental question"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that the question is essential and requires careful consideration for a deeper understanding of the subject.

Is there a difference between "a fundamental question" and "an important question"?

While both phrases highlight the significance of a question, "a fundamental question" suggests that the question is foundational and essential for understanding the topic, whereas "an important question" simply implies that the question is significant but not necessarily foundational.