a main question is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main question is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a significant or central question related to a topic being discussed. Example: "In our discussion about climate change, a main question is how we can effectively reduce carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Specifics are vague, but a main question is whether the plan would enable the government to dictate the prices it pays for medical care.

The New York Times

A main question is how accurate C stock, or AGB changes can be estimated by means of InSAR, and in addition, there are several possible limitations, including: 1.

Carbon Balance and Management

A main question is whether GH replacement reduces the risk of fractures.

European Journal of Endocrinology

Since the phase III study failed to reach primary outcome, a main question is why the efficacy differed from the previous phase II study.

Diabetes Care

In situations where stakeholder groups have different values, spotlighted in this review, a main question is whose preferences should be accommodated?

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A main question was of his ability to resume what was a potentially stellar career.

The New York Times

A second main question is the identity of the additional targets, besides the FGFR genes, that are affected by the AEC-causing p63 mutations.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

From a security perspective, the main question is whether the perpetrators form part of an independent terrorist cell, a group connected to a wider network or directly or indirectly linked to ISIS.

Huffington Post

Valuation measures that adjust for this, by using a ten-year average of profits, make shares look a lot less appealing.The main question is why profits did so badly in the 1970s and whether those conditions are likely to repeat themselves.

The Economist

It is the same with organs, added Dr Magee - if a surgeon wants to remove a tumour near a very sensitive organ, the main question is about the safety of the procedure.

BBC

A non-inferiority design and an equivalence design are closely linked but the underlying idea is fundamentally different and goes beyond the type of confidence interval used as described by Parienti et al. In a non-inferiority study the main question is to assess whether a new drug is not worse off than the current standard of care.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a main question is" to clearly introduce the most important question when discussing a topic with multiple facets.

Common error

Avoid using "a main question is" when a simpler phrasing like "the key question is" or just stating the question directly would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

"A main question is" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight and introduce a central or significant question within a discussion or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It sets the stage for exploring a specific inquiry, as evidenced by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a main question is" serves as a useful introductory phrase to emphasize the central question in various discussions. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across different domains. The analysis shows that its usage is frequent in science and news contexts. Remember to reserve it for highlighting the most important questions, avoiding overuse in simple contexts. Consider alternatives like "the key concern is" or "a central issue is" for slight variations in tone. Always make sure, that question being asked is, indeed, the main one. Overall, "a main question is" is a reliable phrase for academic, scientific, journalistic and business writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central issue is

Replaces "question" with "issue", emphasizing the importance of the matter.

a key concern is

Substitutes "question" with "concern", highlighting an anxiety or worry.

the primary focus is

Shifts from a question to a focus, emphasizing the core area of attention.

the principal inquiry is

Replaces "main" with "principal" and "question" with "inquiry", adding a more formal tone.

the crucial point is

Changes from a question to a point, stressing the essential aspect to consider.

an important consideration is

Rephrases as a consideration, highlighting something that needs careful thought.

the fundamental problem is

Emphasizes the underlying issue rather than framing it as a question.

a significant challenge is

Presents the matter as a challenge that needs to be addressed.

the chief dilemma is

Uses "dilemma" instead of "question", suggesting a difficult choice or situation.

the overarching theme is

Shifts the focus to a broader theme that encompasses the issue.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a main question is" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the principal inquiry is" or "the fundamental problem is" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "a main question is" when introducing a key question?

No, you can directly state the question or use a simpler phrase like "the key question is" or "the central issue is" for brevity.

What's the difference between "a main question is" and "an important consideration is"?

"A main question is" introduces a specific query, while "an important consideration is" highlights an aspect that requires careful thought, not necessarily a question.

When is it appropriate to use "a main question is" in academic writing?

It is appropriate to use "a main question is" in academic writing when introducing a central research question or hypothesis that the paper aims to address.