a question lies

USAGE SUMMARY

'a question lies' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is posing a hypothetical question or dilemma. For example, "A question lies before us: should we take the risk or play it safe?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The answer to such a question lies in the strict gender codes of every society.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A pressing question lies at the heart of this exploration of pottery-making, yarn-spinning, hedge-pleaching, roof-thatching, plowing with oxen, and other traditional crafts: Was it wise of us to abandon skills honed over millennia?

The New Yorker

A thorny question lies at the heart of meaningful health care reform.

Forbes

But a deeper question lies behind it: "How will you measure your life?" This is arguably life's most essential question -- no matter your age or life experience.

Huffington Post

But a more fundamental question lies in the nature of the UK's constitution.

The Guardian - Opinion

While a large body of work now focuses on descriptive statistics to characterize these wiring patterns, a critical open question lies in how the organization of these networks constrains the potential repertoire of brain dynamics.

University of California, Berkeley

A key, unanswered, question lies intriguingly behind the startling revelation that the police are investigating evidence that senior MI6 officers were directly involved in the rendition of two prominent Libyan dissidents to Tripoli where, they say, they were tortured by Muammar Gaddafi's secret police.

The Guardian - Opinion

That situation was at the heart of Alan Bennett's A Question of Attribution and also lies at the core of this American play by Stephen Sachs.

The Guardian

This seems to be a key question lying just below the surface in an extraordinary diplomatic flap in London this weekend.

Forbes

In the answer to your poignant question lies a fascinating constitutional tale of pride and principle.

Harvard University

Behind the question lies a long and varied genealogy, ranging from the Romantic conviction that "we see into the lives of things" (Wordsworth) to renewed efforts in the contemporary world to conceptualize an ob- ject's "biography" (Kopytoff, Ulrich, Dickinson) and the "social life of things" (Appadurai).

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question lies" to introduce a significant question or problem that needs to be addressed. This phrasing adds a touch of formality and emphasizes the importance of the question.

Common error

Avoid using "a question lies" in very informal or casual settings. Its slightly formal tone can sound out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question lies" functions as an introductory phrase, typically setting up a problem, dilemma, or issue that needs to be addressed or considered. It is used to frame the topic of discussion and signal its importance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question lies" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a significant issue or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. While versatile, it tends to appear more frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "an issue remains" or "a query exists". When employing this phrase, be mindful of its slightly formal tone, which may not suit very casual conversations. Overall, "a question lies" is a useful tool for framing important inquiries and inviting thoughtful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a query exists

Replaces 'lies' with 'exists', focusing on the presence of a question rather than its positioning.

an issue remains

Shifts from a question to a broader issue, implying something unresolved.

a problem persists

Highlights the ongoing nature of a problem framed as a question.

a puzzle stands

Emphasizes the challenging or enigmatic nature of the question.

the central question is

Focuses on identifying the core question among others.

the key question revolves around

Highlights that the main topic is a particular question.

a fundamental issue is

Broadens the scope from a question to a fundamental issue.

a core inquiry involves

Highlights the element of investigation of a particular question.

the crux of the matter involves

Focuses on the central point of a problem instead of a question.

the heart of the matter is

Shifts focus to the essential element of a situation.

FAQs

How to use "a question lies" in a sentence?

Use "a question lies" to introduce a significant issue or problem that requires consideration. For example, "A question lies before us: How can we improve our environmental policies?"

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

You can use alternatives like "an issue remains", "a query exists", or "the key question is" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a question lies" or "a question lays"?

"A question lies" is the correct phrase. The verb 'lie' means to be in or assume a horizontal position or to remain in a particular state or condition. 'Lay' means to put or place something down.

What is the difference between "a question lies" and "a question arises"?

"A question lies" implies that the question is already present and needs addressing. "A question arises" suggests the question is emerging or coming into existence.