a recurring question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recurring question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a question that is asked in multiple occasions or that has been asked and answered multiple times. For example: "Why do we keep making the same mistakes?" is a recurring question that has been asked and discussed many times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

8], a recurring question has been whether the statutory and the constitutional provisions are coextensive.

Cornell University

"What does that even mean?" is a recurring question, as are indignant post-mortems on their various bunk-ups.

Independent

Al Amoudi's plans raise a recurring question surrounding investment in food production: who will reap the benefits?

The New York Times - Magazine

As Europe's debt crisis has deepened, a recurring question is how much risk it poses to the United States economy, and especially American banks.

The New York Times

That has been a recurring question since June 2016, when the NHL decided to put its 31st franchise in Las Vegas.

The Washington Post

It's a recurring question in New York, though the answer has been mostly "yes" since 2009 when the state switched to "optimum scan" machines.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Still, when a certain recurring question crops up — is figure skating a sport or an art — I'm reminded of the jokes, and the answer is clear: it's a sport with delusions of grandeur.

The New York Times - Arts

A frequently recurring question in numerosity-estimation studies is therefore whether numerosity estimates are based on numerosity itself, or on one or more non-numerical cues like in visual stimuli spatial extent and density.

Plosone

It is also an endlessly recurring question, since conditions will change, and an immigration policy that made sense in one era may no longer work in another.

University of Chicago

(e.g., A recurring "Essential Question" in the "Earth in Space" standard is, "Is there an order to the Universe? Explain").

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The colossal earthquake that struck Haiti last week raises a profound and recurring question for this fragile nation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a recurring question", provide context to why the question is recurring and its significance in the discussion.

Common error

While both words relate to something happening again, 'recurring' is generally preferred for events that happen at intervals, whereas 'reoccurring' can imply a more random or unpredictable reappearance. Stick to "a recurring question" for consistent and predictable reappearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recurring question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable. It introduces a topic that is repeatedly brought up or considered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a recurring question" is a noun phrase used to describe an issue or query that arises repeatedly. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. It's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, suggesting its neutrality and broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains why the question is recurring. Alternatives include "a frequent inquiry" or "a persistent query". Be careful not to confuse 'recurring' with 'reoccurring', favoring 'recurring' for consistent, predictable reappearances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a repeated inquiry

Replaces 'recurring' with 'repeated', emphasizing the action of asking again.

an often-asked question

Rephrases to highlight the frequency with which the question is posed.

a frequent inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry' and 'recurring' with 'frequent', emphasizing the repeated nature of the question.

a constantly raised question

Focuses on the act of bringing up the question repeatedly.

a persistent query

Uses 'persistent' to highlight the continuous or ongoing nature of the question.

a question that arises frequently

Changes the structure to focus on the question's frequent appearance.

a regular question

Emphasizes the habitual or routine appearance of the question.

a common concern

Shifts the focus to the underlying worry or issue that prompts the recurring question.

a perpetually asked question

Uses 'perpetually' to emphasize the never-ending nature of the question.

an issue that keeps coming up

Broadens the expression to refer to a problem or topic that resurfaces regularly.

FAQs

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

You can use "a recurring question" to introduce a theme or issue that comes up repeatedly in discussions. For example, "A recurring question is whether the current economic policies are sustainable".

What are some alternatives to using "a recurring question"?

You can use alternatives like "a frequent inquiry", "a common concern", or "a persistent query" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a recurring question" or "a reoccurring question"?

While both terms are understandable, "a recurring question" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Reoccurring" may imply a more random reappearance, while "recurring" suggests a more predictable interval.

What does it mean when something is described as "a recurring question"?

It means that the question is not new or unique, but rather something that has been asked and considered multiple times in the past. It often implies that the question remains relevant and unresolved.