a heavy question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heavy question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a serious or thought-provoking question that carries a lot of weight or significance. Example: During the interview, the journalist asked the politician a heavy question about their stance on immigration reform, causing them to pause and carefully consider their response.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He had come, midway through his inaugural tour as America's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, with a heavy question.

The Economist

"No matter who wins they will preside over a turbulent country where the whole notion of a free and clean mandate will be under a heavy question mark," he said.

The Guardian

When the prickly Indian official V. K. Krishna Menon narrowly responded to a heavy question, Jinx would lean in, look closely into his eyes and whisper "Really?" The cagiest diplomat would spill all.

The New York Times

That's a heavy question, and I also don't know that it's up to me to decide what I want.

Huffington Post

Sure, it's a heavy question, a Big One, but you can bet your sweet ass we're all asking it.

Vice

This is a heavy question and one that the person may not want to discuss or may not even know the answer to.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's obviously a heavier question with heavier topics.

Los Angeles Times

Miller: That is a really heavy question.

Huffington Post

I know, it's a pretty heavy question.

Huffington Post

MR: No, no, I understand, and I'm going to ask you a deep and heavy question based on what you just said, sir. Where do you put yourself in the whole scheme of things right now? Do you think you have a glimmer of what your purpose in this world is at this point?

Huffington Post

Yet it takes on the essential (and inarguably heavy) question of how it's possible to live in a world in which suffering is a given.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heavy question", ensure that the context reflects the genuine weight and importance of the issue being addressed. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using weaker adjectives like "interesting" or "notable" when "a heavy question" is more appropriate. The phrase conveys a sense of significant gravity that other adjectives might fail to capture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "heavy" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing inquiries of significant importance or complexity. It is a common way to denote that a question is not trivial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heavy question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a serious or significant inquiry. As Ludwig AI highlights, it conveys a sense of importance and weight. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for formal discussions. While there are multiple alternatives like "a profound question" or "a serious question", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the question truly carries significant weight to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound question

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the question.

a serious question

Highlights the gravity and importance of the question.

a deep question

Focuses on the intellectual or emotional complexity of the question.

a weighty question

Stresses the importance and potential consequences of the question.

a challenging question

Highlights the difficulty and complexity in answering the question.

a significant question

Emphasizes the importance and relevance of the question.

a complex question

Focuses on the multifaceted nature of the question.

a critical question

Stresses the importance of the question to a particular situation or outcome.

a difficult question

Highlights the complexity and challenge in answering the question.

a thought-provoking question

Emphasizes the question's ability to stimulate reflection and deeper consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heavy question" to describe a serious or important inquiry. For example: "The interviewer posed "a heavy question" about the company's environmental impact."

What is a synonym for "a heavy question"?

Alternatives to "a heavy question" include phrases like "a profound question", "a serious question", or "a deep question", which all convey a sense of significance and weight.

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

Yes, "a heavy question" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious topics. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and professional reports.

What makes a question "heavy"?

A "heavy" question is one that carries significant weight, often because it involves complex issues, has serious implications, or requires deep thought and consideration. It is not a light or trivial matter.