a powerful question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that provokes deep thought or insight, often in discussions or educational contexts. Example: "During the workshop, the facilitator posed a powerful question that made everyone reconsider their assumptions about the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As the episodes jump between 2006 (when the abduction took place) and the present day, a powerful question is posed: what is grief allowed to look like?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

JOHN S. KOPPEL Bethesda, Md. To the Editor: Winterson concludes her review with a powerful question: "Why do men revel in the degradation of women?" This follows an essay in which she demonstrates the character-disordered nature of Miller's personality, his willingness to exploit the women in his life both economically and sexually with no apparent evidence of guilt or regret.

The New York Times - Books

"A powerful question shifts the conversation back to the other person, putting the spotlight and the focus on the important issues," Sobel said.

Science Magazine

Take away: if you think you don't have a voice, start with a powerful question.

Huffington Post

It's a powerful question that most people ask if their partner has been involved in an affair.

Huffington Post

Chandrakirti asks a powerful question: How is giving one's life to a war any different from giving it to an addiction?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But she succeeds, and makes his story a powerful inquiry into the moral question at the heart of Hussein's Iraq and so many other dictatorships: Why did people go along with it?

The New York Times - Books

As I suggested to a group in north London a few days ago, a more powerful question is: what should the sector's offer be?

The Guardian

"Were you abused as a child, Did you like it?" A very powerful question indeed.

WikiHow

Their behavior poses a pretty powerful question: Why do we have such a hard time owning up to our wrongdoings?

Huffington Post

Then he will ask 'which ones are most important to you?' This is a very powerful question, because it cuts down on the noise and helps you make a decision that aligns with your core values.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a powerful question", ensure the context reflects the question's significance and its potential to evoke thoughtful responses or insights.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful question" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Opt for synonyms or rephrase your sentences to maintain a compelling tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "powerful" modifies the noun "question". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe a question that has a significant impact or provokes deep thought. Examples show its use in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of the question.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful question" is a phrase used to describe a question that evokes deep thought and insight, commonly found in news, media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for formal writing, highlighting its role in stimulating critical analysis. Alternatives include "a thought-provoking question" and "an impactful question". When employing this phrase, it is vital to ensure the context aligns with the question's significance, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Overall, "a powerful question" serves as a valuable tool for initiating meaningful dialogue and challenging existing assumptions in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impactful question

Replaces "powerful" with "impactful", focusing on the effect the question has.

a thought-provoking question

Substitutes "powerful" with "thought-provoking", highlighting the stimulation of thought.

a compelling question

Changes "powerful" to "compelling", emphasizing the question's ability to capture attention.

a significant question

Uses "significant" instead of "powerful", focusing on the importance of the question.

a profound question

Replaces "powerful" with "profound", highlighting the depth and insightfulness of the question.

a critical question

Substitutes "powerful" with "critical", emphasizing the importance of the question to the matter at hand.

a key question

Changes "powerful" to "key", focusing on the essential nature of the question.

an insightful question

Replaces "powerful" with "insightful", stressing the question's ability to reveal new perspectives.

a penetrating question

Substitutes "powerful" with "penetrating", highlighting the question's ability to delve deeply into a subject.

a weighty question

Changes "powerful" to "weighty", emphasizing the importance and seriousness of the question.

FAQs

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

Use "a powerful question" to introduce a query that is intended to provoke deep thought or challenge existing assumptions. For instance, "The speaker posed "a powerful question" about the ethics of AI, prompting a lively debate".

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

Alternatives include "a thought-provoking question", "a compelling question", or "an impactful question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes a question "powerful"?

A "powerful" question is one that challenges assumptions, encourages critical thinking, and often leads to significant insights or changes in perspective. It goes beyond surface-level inquiry to explore deeper meanings and implications.

Is it appropriate to use "a powerful question" in formal writing?

Yes, "a powerful question" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing complex issues or engaging in critical analysis. Its use should be reserved for questions that genuinely warrant such a description.