a question has been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question has been" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that has previously been posed or considered. Example: "A question has been raised about the effectiveness of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

For nearly a decade, a question has been haunting our national life.

The New Yorker

By Jonathan Schell For nearly a decade, a question has been haunting our national life.

The New Yorker

— MICHAEL BARBARO Tonight's 19th debate was perhaps the first time that a question has been raised about Ron Paul's age.

The New York Times

"A question has been haunting our national life," Jonathan Schell wrote, in the October 29, 1973, issue.

The New Yorker

I've never encountered this before: a government department refusing even to acknowledge that a question has been asked.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A question has been going on back and forth in my mind because I've been hearing a lot of people talk about Trapped in the Closet.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Hours later, the White House asserted that Trump's response to a question had been misconstrued.

The Washington Post

Even before a question had been completed about the exchange, Ryan rolled his eyes, smiled weakly and said, "All right, that's a blatant joke to me".

The New York Times - Sports

Notice how a philosophical/aesthetic question has been broken down into a procedural one.

HuffPost

A central question has been to define what would constitute a "dangerous interference" with the natural climate system.

Princeton University

A continuing question has been whether to admit girls or establish an equivalent girls' school.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For a more formal tone, consider replacing "question" with "query" or "inquiry".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a question has been" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "someone asked" or "I wonder if" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question has been" functions as an introductory device to signal that an issue or inquiry is under consideration. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across varied contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a question has been" serves as a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a topic or issue. Ludwig's AI indicates its appropriateness in written English, and the examples highlight its prevalence across news, scientific, and academic domains. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts. Remember to consider alternative phrasings like "an issue has arisen" or "a query has been posed" to best fit the specific tone and purpose of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue has arisen

This alternative replaces "question" with "issue" and "been" with "arisen", focusing on the emergence of a problem.

a query has been posed

Uses "query" instead of "question" and "posed" instead of "been", which communicates a more formal and direct inquiry.

a matter has been raised

Replaces "question" with "matter" and "been" with "raised", focusing on the act of bringing something to attention.

a point has been made

Shifts the focus to the act of articulating or emphasizing a particular idea or argument.

an inquiry has been initiated

Substitutes with a more formal tone, emphasizing the commencement of an investigation or questioning process.

a debate has emerged

Focuses on the development of a discussion or argument around a specific topic.

a challenge has been presented

This phrase emphasizes the presentation of a difficulty or problem that requires a solution.

doubts have been expressed

Highlights the voicing of uncertainties or reservations regarding a particular matter.

uncertainty has surfaced

Focuses on the emergence of a state of being unsure or doubtful about something.

a consideration has begun

Shifts the emphasis to the commencement of thoughtful examination or deliberation.

FAQs

How can I use "a question has been" in a sentence?

You can use "a question has been" to introduce a topic of discussion, as in, "A question has been raised regarding the budget allocation."

What can I say instead of "a question has been"?

You can use alternatives like "an issue has arisen", "a query has been posed", or "a matter has been raised" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a question has been asked" and "a question has been"?

"A question has been asked" emphasizes the act of asking, while "a question has been" implies the question is now under consideration or is a continuing concern.

Is "a question has been brought up" the same as "a question has been"?

"A question has been brought up" is similar, but it specifically highlights that the question was introduced or presented, while "a question has been" is a more general statement about the existence of a question.