a more important question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more important question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a question that holds greater significance or relevance compared to others being discussed. Example: "While there are many issues to consider, a more important question is how we can effectively address climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had a more important question.

The Washington Post

Probably a more important question than "Who's on board?" is: Why are those institutions on board?

Cornell University

A more important question, though, may be just who is doing the screening.

The New York Times - Travel

He understands the legal niceties but believes there is a more important question of fairness.

The Guardian

But it may be a more important question now than ever.

The Guardian

A more important question is, where has our collective sense of humor gone?

The New York Times

But a more important question is how to make these schools actually work for all children.

The Guardian - Opinion

A more important question is why the Met is about to waste numerous revenue-producing opportunities.

The New York Times

For many New Yorkers concerned about the use of public space, there is a more important question.

The New York Times

It is hard to think of a more important question facing parliament today, both in terms of public policy and of functioning democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a more important question than the simplistic "are you better off?" Voters should ask themselves — and their leaders — how to keep this and future generations better off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a more important question" to steer the conversation towards a deeper or more impactful issue, avoiding superficial or less consequential points.

Common error

Avoid using "a more important question" to dismiss valid concerns or reduce nuanced discussions to a single, overly simplistic question. Recognize and acknowledge the complexities of the topic before redirecting the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more important question" functions as an interrogative phrase used to redirect attention or introduce a subject considered to be of greater significance than the current topic of discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a more important question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a topic deemed more significant than the current discussion. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate across diverse contexts. It serves to redirect focus, prioritize inquiry, and emphasize relevance. When using this phrase, make sure it logically follows the preceding points, avoid oversimplification of topics and be aware that sources from News & Media will more frequently use this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more crucial question

Replaces "important" with "crucial", emphasizing the critical nature of the question.

a more significant question

Substitutes "important" with "significant", highlighting the substantial impact or relevance of the question.

a more pressing question

Changes "important" to "pressing", suggesting urgency or immediate attention is needed.

a more fundamental question

Replaces "important" with "fundamental", indicating the question addresses core principles or underlying assumptions.

a more relevant question

Substitutes "important" with "relevant", highlighting the pertinence of the question to the current context.

a more vital question

Changes "important" to "vital", stressing the question's necessity for survival or success.

a higher priority question

Rephrases as a matter of prioritization, implying other questions exist but this one takes precedence.

a weightier question

Substitutes "important" with "weightier", suggesting the question carries greater consequence or responsibility.

the key question

Simplifies to the essence, pinpointing the single most important question.

the central question

Focuses on the question at the heart of the matter, around which other considerations revolve.

FAQs

How do I use "a more important question" in a sentence?

Use "a more important question" to introduce a topic that you believe deserves greater attention than what has already been discussed. For example, "While budget constraints are a concern, "a more important question" is how this project will affect community relations."

What can I say instead of "a more important question"?

You can use alternatives like "a more crucial question", "a more significant question", or "the key question" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to introduce "a more important question"?

It's appropriate to introduce "a more important question" when you want to shift the focus of a discussion to what you believe is a more central or critical issue. This is useful when discussions become sidetracked or focus on less relevant details.

How does "a more important question" differ from "an interesting question"?

"An interesting question" introduces a topic that is merely engaging or curious. "A more important question", in contrast, emphasizes the significance, relevance, or urgency of the topic, suggesting it warrants serious consideration and focus.