a large question is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large question is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a significant or complex question that requires further exploration or discussion. Example: "A large question is whether technology is improving our quality of life or complicating it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a large question is now open: to what extent exactly is the fulfillment of FEO limited by the basic liberty of family freedom?

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A larger question is whether this work can be considered art.

The New York Times - Arts

A larger question is whether Mr. Adrover's clothes have a compelling story to tell.

The New York Times - Style

A larger question is whether a company subsidiary overcharged the government by $61 million while importing fuel to Iraq, an issue the president was forced to address.

The New York Times

A larger question is whether this "Don Giovanni" might prove the prelude to the emergence of a new designer-director in the mold of Ponnelle, Herbert Wernicke or Hugo de Ana.

The New York Times - Arts

A larger question is how much impact the organizations really have on government policy, and how much of what they produce is Washington hot air.

The New York Times

A larger question is whether passenger confidence in the craft will ever be regained after the publicity about the plane's problems, airline experts here say.

The New York Times

A larger question is what influence senior Qaeda leaders, believed to be hiding in Pakistan, may have over the operations undertaken by Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia.

The New York Times

Although the fund seems a natural for television, a larger question is whether the medium can broaden its outlook and represent more personalities.

The New York Times

At a time when most media surrounding artificial intelligence are focused on wondering when machines will become self-aware, a larger question is which ethical frameworks should guide this autonomous evolution.

The Guardian

Re "Is There a Future in Ford's Future?" (Jan . 8, which described the challenges facing Ford's new president of American operations: A larger question is this: If Ford and General Motors fail, will America fail?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a large question is" to introduce a complex or multifaceted question that warrants thorough exploration. It signals to the reader that the following discussion will delve into a significant issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a large question is" for simple inquiries that can be phrased more directly. Reserve it for situations where the question truly represents a substantial issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large question is" serves as an introductory device, signaling the presentation of a significant inquiry. This is supported by Ludwig, which validates its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a large question is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions to introduce a significant or complex inquiry, prompting in-depth analysis and discussion. Predominantly found in News & Media, and also present in Scientific and Formal & Business contexts, this phrase is versatile for formal and neutral registers. To ensure effective communication, remember to use it when you are introducing a really complex question that requires thorough exploration, and avoid overusing it for simple inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key question is

Replaces "large" with "key", indicating a central or crucial question.

the central question is

Emphasizes that the question is at the heart of the matter.

a critical point is

Highlights a crucial aspect to consider.

a major concern is

Shifts the focus from a question to a concern or problem.

a significant issue is

Highlights the importance or impact of the matter at hand.

a pressing matter is

Indicates urgency and importance.

the main problem is

Replaces "question" with "problem", framing the statement as an issue to be solved.

an important consideration is

Highlights the need to consider something significant.

a fundamental challenge is

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the challenge.

the primary focus is

Changes the framing to a focus area rather than a question.

FAQs

How can I use "a large question is" in a sentence?

Use "a large question is" to introduce a significant, complex inquiry. For example, "A large question is whether current economic policies are sustainable in the long term." It sets the stage for deeper discussion.

What are some alternatives to "a large question is"?

You can use alternatives such as "a key question is", "a major concern is", or "a significant issue is" depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a large question is" is appropriate for formal writing. It's often used in academic papers, reports, and articles to introduce complex inquiries or challenges.

How does "a large question is" differ from "the question is"?

"A large question is" implies that the question is significant and multifaceted, requiring substantial analysis. "The question is" is more general and can introduce simpler inquiries. The former sets up a bigger, more complex problem to tackle.