a greater question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a more significant or overarching issue that needs to be addressed or considered. Example: "While the details of the project are important, there is a greater question about its long-term impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Beyond the choice of a site that abuts a motorway as crucial to New England as the M25 is to the Greater London area, lies a greater question: why choose Boston at all?

The Guardian

But the specifics of the situation are part of a greater question about whether same-sex marriages are legal in New York State.

The New York Times

A greater question — central to this particular lawsuit, and to the outrage that other readers have felt at being "duped" by false personal histories — is why did people read them?

The New Yorker

Last week, the flags, the reference to the independence struggle and the protest in the rain were all components of a greater question: what is this new India that is being created with its 8% year-on-year economic growth rates?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Honestly, that's a great question.

Vice

A: Great question.

TechCrunch

A great question".

The New Yorker

What a great question!

The New York Times - Science

It was a great question!

The New Yorker

"That is a great question.

The New Yorker

Wilson: A great question.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a greater question" when introducing a broader or more important issue that needs to be addressed after discussing specific details or preliminary matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a greater question" when the issue at hand is merely different or related, not necessarily larger in scope or significance. Ensure the question truly represents a higher level of inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater question" functions as a noun phrase, introducing a topic of broader or more significant inquiry. It signals a shift in focus to a more encompassing issue, as suggested by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a greater question" serves to introduce a more significant or overarching issue, often following a discussion of specific details. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase that shifts the focus to a broader inquiry. The phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, particularly in news media and academia, although its usage is currently rare. When employing this phrase, ensure that the issue being introduced truly represents a higher level of inquiry, not merely a different or related point. Ludwig AI also offers alternatives such as "a more significant question" or "a larger question" for variety and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more profound question

Replaces 'greater' with 'more profound', emphasizing the depth of the question.

a more significant question

Substitutes 'greater' with 'more significant', highlighting the importance of the question.

a larger question

Uses 'larger' instead of 'greater', suggesting a question encompassing a broader scope.

a fundamental question

Replaces 'greater' with 'fundamental', focusing on the foundational nature of the question.

a key question

Highlights the central importance of the question by using 'key'.

a central question

Similar to 'key question', emphasizing that the question is pivotal.

a deeper question

Suggests a question that requires more in-depth exploration.

a broader issue

Shifts from 'question' to 'issue', indicating a wider problem or concern.

the underlying question

Emphasizes that the question is at the base or root of the matter.

the overarching question

Highlights that the question is comprehensive and all-encompassing.

FAQs

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

Use "a greater question" to introduce a more significant or overarching issue that requires consideration. For example, "Beyond the immediate costs, "a greater question" is whether this project aligns with our long-term goals".

What phrases are similar to "a greater question"?

Similar phrases include "a more significant question", "a larger question", or "a fundamental question", each highlighting the importance or scope of the inquiry.

Is it correct to use "a greater question" in formal writing?

Yes, "a greater question" is appropriate for formal writing when used to introduce a more important or encompassing issue. It is frequently found in news and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "a greater question" and "a good question"?

"A good question" acknowledges the quality of a specific inquiry, while ""a greater question"" indicates a broader, more important issue that needs to be addressed beyond the immediate details.