a major question is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major question is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to introduce a significant query or inquiry into a discussion. For example, "A major question is, how can we reduce our carbon footprint?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A major question is whether representatives who made up the majority of Parliament under Victor Yanukovych will hold onto their seats.

Huffington Post

A major question is how these particles are accelerated up to such extreme energies.

Harvard University

A major question is whether insurance companies will offer policies covering drug costs and nothing else.

The New York Times

A major question is whether the new advertising will result in more donations.

The New York Times

A major question is whether the findings of the pilot work justify further expense and analysis.

Harvard Business Review

He says a major question is how many times the batteries can be recharged.

MIT Technology Review

A major question is whether these efforts will be enough to turn the tide against Mr. Assad.

The New York Times

A major question is whether Nokia on its own can bridge the transition to a Windows-based future.

The New York Times - Tech

A major question is whether under the pact the Iraqi government will be able to prosecute Americans for past crimes.

The New York Times

For instance, a major question is whether the overall LRRK2 structure is affected by disease-causing mutations.

Nature

A major question is how such a charter school district would be organized to support its schools and who would perform the different functions required.

Economics of Education Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major question is" to introduce a significant inquiry that requires careful consideration or investigation. It effectively sets the stage for deeper analysis and discussion.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "a major question is" as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "an important consideration is" or "the key issue is".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major question is" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight and introduce a significant inquiry or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and broadly employed, serving to frame the subsequent query as crucial to the discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major question is" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a significant inquiry across various fields. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it is followed by a clear and relevant question to maintain clarity and avoid redundancy. By considering alternative phrases and understanding common errors, you can enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key question is

Replaces "major" with "key", indicating a central or essential question.

an important question is

Substitutes "major" with "important", highlighting the significance of the question.

a crucial question is

Uses "crucial" instead of "major", emphasizing the critical nature of the question.

the central question is

Replaces "a major question" with "the central question", focusing on the core issue.

a primary concern is

Shifts the focus from a question to a concern, implying a problem that needs addressing.

the main issue is

Frames the discussion around an issue rather than a question, suggesting a problem or debate.

a significant issue is

Uses "significant issue" instead of "major question" presenting the topic as a relevant or important matter.

what remains to be seen is

Introduces an element of uncertainty or anticipation about a future outcome.

it is worth asking whether

Suggests a question that deserves consideration, often implying doubt or skepticism.

one wonders whether

Expresses curiosity or speculation about a particular issue.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a major question is" is typically used to introduce a significant or important question that needs to be addressed. For example, "A major question is, how will this policy affect small businesses?"

What can I say instead of "a major question is"?

You can use alternatives like "a key question is", "an important question is", or "the central question is" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "a major question is" with a question mark?

Yes, "a major question is" is used to introduce a question, so it should always be followed by a question mark to indicate that a question is being asked.

What's the difference between "a major question is" and "a major problem is"?

"A major question is" introduces an inquiry or uncertainty that needs to be resolved, while "a major problem is" identifies a significant issue or obstacle that needs to be addressed. They serve different communicative purposes, so their interchangeability depends on whether the intent is to pose a question or identify a problem.