a lingering question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lingering question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that remains unanswered or continues to be a concern over time. Example: "After the meeting, there was still a lingering question about the project's timeline that needed to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What comes next for Hughes is a lingering question.

The New York Times - Sports

There is also a lingering question about whether the new suffixes are needed at all.

The New York Times - Tech

A lingering question is whether this could prompt non-brutal clients to take their business elsewhere.

The Economist

She concluded it with disappointment and a lingering question about what might have been.

The New York Times - Sports

A lingering question though is who actually is control of the organization.

The New York Times

A lingering question is whether Mr. Barrientos will someday join them.

The New York Times

A lingering question: Does this mean gold and other metals can't be produced in a supernova?

The Washington Post

The fate of the original masterwork, in the meantime, is still a lingering question in Palermo.

The Guardian - Arts

A lingering question is whether AOL will unfairly favor Warner over other labels.

The New York Times

For its part, UConn had the final answer to a lingering question.

The New York Times - Sports

It leaves a lingering question: Just how bad was Matt Leinart that the Cardinals thought he couldn't help them?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lingering question" to introduce an issue that needs further exploration or clarification, especially after presenting initial findings or arguments.

Common error

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

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lingering question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object complement in a sentence. It introduces a topic or issue that remains unresolved and requires further consideration, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lingering question" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce unresolved issues across diverse contexts. As shown by Ludwig, its prevalence in news, science, and academic writing indicates its appropriateness for formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, remember to vary your sentence structure and ensure it effectively introduces a point of uncertainty or a topic requiring further exploration. Ludwig AI's assessment confirms its widespread acceptance and clear meaning, making it a valuable tool for writers seeking to highlight persistent inquiries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of resolution of the matter.

an outstanding question

Emphasizes that the question is still pending.

a remaining doubt

Highlights the presence of uncertainty or skepticism.

a persistent query

Indicates that the question keeps recurring.

a pending inquiry

Suggests that an investigation or examination is ongoing.

an unanswered concern

Stresses that a worry or issue has not been addressed.

an open question

Highlights that the matter is still subject to debate or discussion.

an unaddressed problem

Focuses on the lack of attention or action taken on a specific problem.

a continuing enigma

Suggests that the matter remains mysterious or difficult to understand.

a thorny issue

Emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of the matter.

FAQs

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

Use "a lingering question" to introduce an unresolved issue or a point of uncertainty after presenting some information. For example, "Despite the initial success, "a lingering question" remains about the project's long-term sustainability."

What are some alternatives to saying "a lingering question"?

You can use alternatives like "an unresolved issue", "an outstanding question", or "a remaining doubt" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a lingering question" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI's analysis of authoritative sources shows it's frequently used in news media, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for professional communication.

What makes "a lingering question" different from "an open question"?

"A lingering question" suggests that the question has persisted over time and may be causing some concern or uncertainty. "An open question" simply means that the question has not been definitively answered yet, without necessarily implying persistence or concern.