a prevailing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prevailing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a question that is widely considered or frequently asked in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the debate about climate change, a prevailing question is how to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Why, and under what conditions, presumptively selfish individuals cooperate is a prevailing question in social science that has stimulated an extraordinary range of explanations, many of which have focused on the strategic benefits of cooperation.

Plosone

Thus, a prevailing question about sRNA involvement in translational control of such membrane proteins concerns their localization in the cell and the localization of proteins, such as Hfq, that are involved in the regulation process.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

SLI has received robust scientific attention, in part because of its recent linkage to a specific gene and loci on chromosomes and in part because of the prevailing question regarding the scope of its language impairment: Does the disorder impact the general ability to segment and process language or a specific ability to compute grammar?

Plosone

When Jobs died in October 2011, the prevailing question wasn't whether Tim Cook could succeed him, but whether anyone could.

The New York Times - Magazine

And she found herself at odds with the Democratic base on the prevailing question of the day, having voted in favour of the war in Iraq.

Independent

The prevailing question here throughout fight week is not whether you will be watching Pacquiao's long-awaited showdown with Mayweather but where you will be watching it.

The Guardian - Sport

The prevailing question is whether Blatter will be indicted.

Huffington Post

One prevailing question was whether the US soldiers involved violated the Rules of Engagement.

Huffington Post

Brooks says that the "are we better off" question is the prevailing question and that people are more concerned with long term debts than short term maladies.

Huffington Post

As the new Congress convenes this week, the prevailing question is whether Republicans will prove they can govern now that they rule both houses.

Huffington Post

"Just how much shit am I supposed to put up with?" was the prevailing question, though Peggy and Joan have far fewer options than someone like Ken, who could leave behind the indignities he faces any time he wanted.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prevailing question" when you want to emphasize that a particular question is widely discussed or considered in a specific field or context. It suggests that the question is current and relevant to ongoing discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "a prevailing question" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its slightly formal tone makes it more suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prevailing question" functions as a noun phrase, typically introducing a significant or frequently discussed issue. As Ludwig suggests, it's used to highlight a question that is currently relevant in a particular context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prevailing question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a significant or frequently discussed issue, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not overly common, it effectively highlights questions that are currently relevant. Its tone makes it most suitable for neutral, professional, or academic writing and less appropriate for casual conversation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in science, media, and formal business contexts. Related phrases such as "a central question" or "a key question" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central question

Replaces "prevailing" with "central", emphasizing the question's importance to the topic.

a key question

Substitutes "prevailing" with "key", highlighting the question's significance.

a major question

Uses "major" instead of "prevailing", focusing on the question's importance.

a dominant question

Replaces "prevailing" with "dominant", suggesting the question is the most prominent.

a recurring question

Substitutes "prevailing" with "recurring", indicating the question comes up frequently.

a pressing question

Uses "pressing" instead of "prevailing", emphasizing the urgency of the question.

a foremost question

Replaces "prevailing" with "foremost", indicating the question is at the forefront of consideration.

a common question

Substitutes "prevailing" with "common", suggesting the question is widely asked or considered.

a topical question

Uses "topical" instead of "prevailing", indicating the question is currently relevant.

a burning question

Replaces "prevailing" with "burning", emphasizing the intensity of interest in the question.

FAQs

What does "a prevailing question" mean?

The phrase "a prevailing question" refers to a question that is frequently asked, widely considered, or currently relevant within a particular context or field of discussion. It suggests that the question is important and often debated.

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

You can use "a prevailing question" to introduce a significant issue or debate. For example: "A prevailing question in the field of artificial intelligence is whether machines can truly achieve consciousness."

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

You can use alternatives like "a central question", "a key question", or "a major question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a prevailing question" formal or informal?

"A prevailing question" has a slightly formal tone and is generally more appropriate for academic, professional, or journalistic writing than for casual conversation.