a persistent question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that continues to arise or be asked over time, often indicating its importance or relevance. Example: "The issue of climate change remains a persistent question in environmental discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

In Facebook's shadow, there is also a persistent question about the weakness of Chinese innovation.

The New Yorker

How much of a difference they made is a persistent question.

The New Yorker

A persistent question among paleoanthropologists is how far back this similarity goes.

The New Yorker

Ms. Webber is Jewish herself, but that fact only comes up late in the conversation and in answer to a persistent question.

The New York Times

He faces a persistent question: can his Iraqi success be replicated in Afghanistan?As security has improved in Iraq, it has worsened in Afghanistan.

The Economist

AMID the handwringing that has followed the devastation of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, a persistent question whispered in the background has been whether hurricanes are getting worse.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It answers a very stupid but persistent question: Where are the women writers?

The New York Times

But I had never been in a museum where the persistent question is: what kind of place is this?

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. White said the various firefighting crews were "competing for resources," a reflection of the persistent question as to whether the region has enough manpower and equipment to tackle large fires simultaneously.

The New York Times

Most of the commenters — especially those who live in rural areas — liked the idea of the program, but there were a few persistent questions and issues: Are cars necessary?

The New York Times

A prospective randomized study of this sort in combination with appropriate supplemental sub-studies of bacterial clearance would likely provide a definitive answer to the persistent question of the relative benefit of combination versus monotherapy in the critically ill patient with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a persistent question" to emphasize that a question or issue has been raised repeatedly and remains relevant over time. This indicates the question's importance or difficulty in finding a resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "a persistent question" when the question is new or has not been previously raised. "Persistent" implies a history and continued relevance, not just any question.

Linguistic Context

A persistent question functions as a noun phrase that identifies a query or issue that continually arises or remains relevant over time. It commonly introduces a problem or area of uncertainty, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a persistent question" is a noun phrase used to describe a query or issue that continually arises or remains relevant. Ludwig highlights that the phrase is grammatically sound and primarily used in neutral to formal contexts such as News & Media and Science. It indicates an enduring inquiry that often needs resolution. Alternatives include "a recurring question" and "an ongoing inquiry". Understanding the context in which to use "a persistent question" ensures clear and effective communication, emphasizing the continuing nature of the inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring question

Replaces "persistent" with "recurring", emphasizing the repetitive nature of the question.

an ongoing inquiry

Uses "ongoing inquiry" to highlight the continuous investigation or discussion surrounding the topic.

a lingering question

Substitutes "persistent" with "lingering", suggesting the question remains unresolved or continues to be a concern.

a common concern

Shifts the focus to the shared nature of the worry or issue being questioned.

an enduring mystery

Emphasizes the long-lasting and unexplained nature of the issue.

a recurring theme

Highlights the repeated appearance of the question or topic in discussions or analyses.

a continuing debate

Focuses on the sustained disagreement or discussion surrounding the question.

an open question

Indicates that the question remains unresolved and subject to further consideration.

an unresolved issue

Shifts from a question to the state of being an issue that lacks a solution.

a perennial problem

Highlights the constant and recurring nature of the problem or question.

FAQs

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

Use "a persistent question" to describe an issue that keeps resurfacing or a question that people continue to ask because it hasn't been adequately answered. For example, "The funding of the project remains "a persistent question"".

What's a good alternative to "a persistent question"?

Alternatives include "a recurring question", "an ongoing inquiry", or "a lingering question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a persistent question" or "a continuous question"?

"A persistent question" emphasizes the enduring nature and repeated asking of the question. "A continuous question" implies the question is asked without interruption, which may not be the intended meaning. Therefore, "a persistent question" is often more appropriate.

Can "a persistent question" refer to a positive thing?

While usually associated with problems or unresolved issues, "a persistent question" can technically refer to a positive, recurring inquiry, although this is less common. The context will usually indicate whether it is positive or negative.