a massive question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a massive question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is significant, complex, or important in nature. Example: "The topic of climate change raises a massive question about our responsibility to future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"There is a massive question mark: if the UK leaves the EU, then what?

The Guardian

After Rio, I don't know what I'll do, that's really just a massive question mark".

The Guardian - Sport

The findings place a massive question mark over the increasingly-controversial compounds, now the fastest growing family of insecticides.

Independent

It is a massive question, because it raises the issue of where the geographical boundaries of the EU should end.

The Economist

Slipper added that there was also a "massive question mark" over what the Scottish government was planning to do on farm funding post-Brexit.

The Guardian

"She hasn't tried to be the centre of anything yet," said Gant. "It's a smart move, but it means there's a massive question mark as to her USP.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

And it raises a massive questions.

Vice

The story opens up one massive question, though: who would dare eject the king from a feast hosted by the marksmen of Stephen Harper's empire?

Vice

This brings us to the massive question: Is pre-1914 Germany relevant to 2013 China?

Huffington Post

Could Paramount have simply seen the writing on the wall and taken the quick cash rather than risk untold millions on the massive question mark that is The Avengers and the sure-to-be complicated Iron Man 3? For the record, my concerns about The Avengers have more to do with the unwieldiness of the project and those at Marvel than it does with Joss Whedon's capabilities as a filmmaker.

Huffington Post

There's something about having considered massive questions about identity and gender at a young age that can leave some of the people I've worked with feeling like they can't quite connect with others at school.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a massive question" to highlight the substantial impact or complexity of an issue. It's particularly effective when introducing a discussion about a problem that requires significant thought and attention.

Common error

Avoid using "massive" to describe trivial questions or concerns. The term is best reserved for issues of considerable importance or scale; otherwise, it can diminish its impact and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive question" functions as a noun phrase, where "massive" is an adjective modifying the noun "question". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a massive question" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the significant and complex nature of an inquiry. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase sees frequent use across a variety of contexts, notably in news and media. When writing, reserve this phrase for issues of considerable importance; alternatives such as "a significant question" or "a major question" may be more appropriate for less critical topics. Avoiding overuse ensures its impact when you need to highlight a truly substantial issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant question

Replaces "massive" with "significant", indicating importance without emphasizing size.

a major question

Substitutes "massive" with "major", highlighting the question's importance or impact.

a critical question

Replaces "massive" with "critical", emphasizing the importance of addressing the question.

an important question

Uses "important" instead of "massive", focusing on the relevance and value of the question.

a fundamental question

Replaces "massive" with "fundamental", highlighting the foundational nature of the question.

a profound question

Substitutes "massive" with "profound", emphasizing the depth and insight required.

a far-reaching question

Replaces "massive" focusing on the extent of the question's impact.

a substantial question

Replaces "massive" stressing the great importance of the question.

a sweeping question

Replaces "massive" highlighting the wide scope of the question.

a weighty question

Replaces "massive" stressing the significance of the question.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a massive question"?

Use "a massive question" when referring to an issue or inquiry that is particularly significant, complex, or far-reaching. It's suitable for topics that demand considerable attention and have broad implications.

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant question", "a major question", or "a critical question" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

How does "a massive question" differ from "a simple question"?

"A simple question" implies a straightforward inquiry with an easy answer, whereas "a massive question" denotes a complex issue that may not have a single, clear solution and requires in-depth analysis.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a massive question"?

While grammatically correct, using "a massive question" for trivial or minor inquiries can be misleading or hyperbolic. Ensure the scale of the question warrants the strong adjective.