a question of originality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of originality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the uniqueness or creativity of an idea, work, or concept. Example: "In the art world, the debate often centers around a question of originality, as many artists draw inspiration from previous works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is also a question of originality.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some of the topics covered--though it feels odd to call them topics when they're accompanied by such a depth of rumination--are: poetry and the mind of concentration, the question of originality, and poetry as a vessel of remembrance.

Huffington Post

The question of originality became an issue only in the 18th century, and, in the 19th century, artists started to hand sign their prints.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Widdicombe's piece examines not only Rowan's career as a plagiarist but also looks into the vexed question of originality in literature: As writers from T. S. Eliot to Harold Bloom have pointed out, ideas are doomed to be rehashed.

The New Yorker

The question of originality is the most striking.

The Guardian - Books

"Above and beyond audience size, there's the question of originality and creative ambition," says Wenger.

The Guardian

It would be pressing the defendant's right to the verge, if not beyond, to leave the question of originality to the jury upon the evidence in this case, as was done in Hegeman v. Springer, 49 C. C. A. 86, 110 Fed.

Harvard University

And the question of originality is often obscured in catalog mumbo-jumbo.

Forbes

In this week's podcast, performance artist Marina Abramovic, PC Music's Danny L Harle and TV commissioner Faraz Osman tell us how they deal with the question of originality.

Vice

Apart from questions of originality, Suárez is historically important because he was a bridge for metaphysical thought between the Middle Ages and the Modern period.

SEP

Given how these patent suits have come to represent almost as much in public mindshare as they have in terms of actual licensing deals (and, more loftily, questions of originality in device design), this could be seen as a well-timed and key move by Samsung.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a question of originality", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being assessed for its uniqueness. Provide specific examples or criteria to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of originality" as a vague critique. Instead, pinpoint specific aspects lacking in novelty or distinctiveness. For example, instead of saying "The project raises a question of originality", specify: "The project's methodology raises a question of originality due to its reliance on previously established techniques."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of originality" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It introduces the idea that the uniqueness of something is being considered or debated, similar to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of originality" is a phrase used to introduce considerations of uniqueness or novelty. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is rare. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, academia, and encyclopedia entries, exhibiting a neutral to formal register. To avoid ambiguity, provide specific context when using the phrase. Related expressions include "an issue of originality" and "the matter of originality". Remember to pinpoint specific aspects lacking novelty rather than making vague critiques. The examples from Ludwig indicate that the phrase is employed to initiate discussions and evaluations of distinctiveness in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an issue of originality

Replaces "question" with "issue", suggesting a problem or point of contention.

the matter of originality

Substitutes "question" with "matter", framing originality as something to be addressed or resolved.

originality under consideration

Rephrases as a state of being examined, highlighting the act of evaluation.

the originality debate

Focuses on the ongoing discussion and differing viewpoints regarding originality.

is originality a concern

Presents the topic as a potential worry or problem.

the problem of originality

Highlights the challenges and difficulties associated with achieving or defining originality.

exploring the concept of originality

Shifts the focus to a deeper investigation and understanding of what originality entails.

assessing the novelty

Emphasizes evaluating the newness and uniqueness of something.

evaluating the uniqueness

Centers on judging the distinctiveness and singularity of a work or idea.

the authenticity inquiry

Frames the situation as a formal investigation into the genuine nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of originality" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of originality" to introduce a discussion about the uniqueness of something. For example: "The artist's latest work raises "a question of originality" because it closely resembles another artist's style."

What are some alternatives to "a question of originality"?

Alternatives include "an issue of originality", "the matter of originality", or "originality under consideration", each with a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a question of originality"?

It's appropriate when you want to express doubt or inquiry about the uniqueness or novelty of something, particularly in creative or intellectual contexts.

What's the difference between "a question of originality" and "a lack of originality"?

"A question of originality" implies uncertainty or inquiry about uniqueness. "A lack of originality" asserts a definite absence of unique or novel qualities.