a paramount question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a paramount question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an issue or topic that is of utmost importance or significance. Example: "In the context of climate change, a paramount question is how we can effectively reduce carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Reports this past month that California's jobless rate had reached its post-World War II zenith provide us with both a stark reality and a paramount question: What can we do immediately to put people back to work, in stable, good paying jobs?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The report of the review board says the "paramount question" is whether a candidate for the priesthood is capable of celibacy and chastity, not sexual orientation.

The New York Times

For those residing in architecturally significant buildings, the paramount question is often how to strike a balance between respecting the architect's intent and updating the structure to meet their current needs and tastes.

The New York Times

The paramount question was "How?" Did he have an accomplice?

The New Yorker

"That's the central question in life and the paramount question in science fiction.

The Guardian - Film

Nowhere has the shift in economic thinking become more evident than when it comes to the paramount question of defining what we mean by "wealth".

The Guardian

The paramount question is what's the best method for giving young people the skills for safe and appropriate enjoyment of beverages like wine and beer – I will leave aside the question of cocktails and spirits because I don't really see a scenario where you would teach those under 21 about enjoying them.

The New York Times

"When considering, either on its own motion, or following a formal application or informal request, whether to permit live text-based communications, and if so by whom, the paramount question will be whether the application may interfere with the proper administration of justice.

The Guardian - Tech

The identification of ubiquitin-independent mechanisms for proteasomal degradation also poses the paramount question of the multiplicity of catabolic pathways targeting each protein substrate.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on Cancer

So, the paramount question arises whether these globins have distinct functional properties, or represent structural variations of the core globin and exhibit large redundancy.

BMC Genomics

The paramount question is, however, if what is ultimately discovered from evolved natural cancer resistance can be applied to the reversal of established cancers in humans.

Aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a paramount question", ensure the context clearly establishes the high level of importance you are attributing to the question. This helps the reader understand its significance within the broader discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "a paramount question" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase carries a level of formality that may sound out of place in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paramount question" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or direct object. It introduces or highlights a question deemed to be of utmost importance or significance, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a paramount question" is a phrase used to emphasize the critical importance of a question. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific writing. While synonyms like "a crucial question" or "a vital question" offer alternatives, using "a paramount question" effectively highlights the central role of the inquiry in understanding a given issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A crucial question

Replaces "paramount" with "crucial", emphasizing the decisiveness of the question.

A vital question

Substitutes "paramount" with "vital", highlighting the essential nature of the question.

The most important question

Replaces "paramount" with "most important", making the significance explicit.

A central question

Uses "central" instead of "paramount", indicating the question's key role.

A key question

Replaces "paramount" with "key", emphasizing the question's significance for understanding.

A fundamental question

Changes "paramount" to "fundamental", focusing on the question's foundational nature.

A primary question

Substitutes "paramount" with "primary", indicating the question's priority.

An essential question

Replaces "paramount" with "essential", highlighting the question's necessity.

The overriding question

Uses "overriding" instead of "paramount", emphasizing the question's dominance.

The burning question

Replaces "paramount" with "burning", suggesting urgency and widespread interest in the question.

FAQs

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

Use "a paramount question" to introduce a topic or issue of utmost importance, for example: "A paramount question in healthcare is how to improve access to affordable care".

What can I say instead of "a paramount question"?

You can use alternatives like "a crucial question", "a vital question", or "the most important question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the paramount question" instead of "a paramount question"?

Both "a paramount question" and "the paramount question" are grammatically correct, but they imply slightly different things. "A paramount question" suggests that it is one of many important questions, while "the paramount question" implies it is the single most important question.

What is the difference between "a key question" and "a paramount question"?

"A key question" refers to a significant question that unlocks understanding, while "a paramount question" emphasizes the question's overriding importance or priority.