a key question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when highlighting an important or central question that needs to be addressed or considered in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In our research, a key question we need to explore is how climate change affects biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And this is a key question.

Independent

This is a key question.

Harvard University

That is a key question.

The Washington Post

A key question is what to measure?

Characterisation and Design of Tissue Scaffolds

A key question is how Labour reacts.

The Guardian

But it doesn't ask a key question.

The New York Times

That's a key question in the case.

Yale University

Price is a key question for WiTricity.

MIT Technology Review

The result begs a key question: Why?

Harvard Business Review

A key question in any criminal investigation is: who benefits?

The Guardian - Opinion

Where the fracking fluids go is a key question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing "a key question", ensure it's framed clearly and concisely to avoid ambiguity and to direct the reader's attention effectively.

Common error

While "a key question" is useful, avoid using it excessively. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "a central issue" or "a crucial point" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key question" functions as a framing device to introduce a central point of inquiry. It signals the importance of the question and directs the reader's focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically correct construction, effectively used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key question" is a versatile phrase used to introduce important inquiries. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse fields like science, news, and academia. When writing, use it strategically to guide your readers and structure your arguments effectively. To avoid redundancy, consider synonyms like "a central issue" or "a crucial point". The phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it appropriate for various registers. By using "a key question" judiciously, you can enhance the clarity and focus of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central issue

Focuses on the core problem instead of framing it as an inquiry.

a crucial point

Highlights the significance of a particular aspect rather than a question.

a critical concern

Emphasizes the worry or importance associated with the matter at hand.

a fundamental inquiry

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the investigation.

a pivotal problem

Indicates a problem that is essential and significantly impactful.

the main challenge

Highlights the primary difficulty needing to be overcome.

the core consideration

Shifts the focus to what must be carefully thought about.

the principal matter

Emphasizes the chief subject under discussion.

an essential element

Underscores the necessity of a specific component.

the underlying puzzle

Suggests a mysterious or complex problem requiring a solution.

FAQs

How can I effectively incorporate "a key question" into my writing?

Start a paragraph or section with "a key question" to clearly signal the central inquiry you'll be addressing. This helps guide the reader through your argument and highlights the most important issues.

What are some alternatives to using "a key question" in academic writing?

In academic contexts, you can use phrases like "a central issue", "a crucial point", or "a fundamental inquiry" to introduce important questions with a slightly more formal tone.

Is it appropriate to use "a key question" in formal business communications?

Yes, "a key question" is suitable for formal business communications. It effectively highlights important considerations. Alternatives like "a critical concern" or "a pivotal problem" can also be used depending on the context.

How does "a key question" differ from "the main challenge"?

"A key question" frames an issue as an inquiry requiring exploration, while "the main challenge" highlights a difficulty needing resolution. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize investigation or problem-solving.