a resonant question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a resonant question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that evokes strong feelings or thoughts, often prompting deep reflection or discussion. Example: "During the debate, she posed a resonant question that left the audience contemplating their own beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

With Creasy, whose tone is firmly personal – and who yet remains such an on-brand Labour representative – this is a particularly resonant question.

Independent

However, because Robert Kennedy's killer was undeniably Sirhan Sirhan, the revised line, "Who killed the Kennedys?" still asks "who," but in the new context that "who" seems to really ask "Why?" — no longer merely a police procedural question about facts but a more deeply resonant question about human nature: Why do such assassinations happen?

The New York Times

Without, indeed, even pausing to address the resonant question posed by Louise Mensch's Heat Street site: "Did Angelina's friendship with British Lord William Hague freeze out Brad?" Or perhaps they just couldn't agree about Brexit.

The Guardian

One fighter recalled his resonant question: "Who is hearing your voice today?" On Friday, demonstrators in several Syrian cities raised banners with slogans like, "No to American intervention, for we are all Jebhat al-Nusra," referring to the group's full name, Ansar al-Jebhat al-Nusra li-Ahl al-Sham, or Supporters of the Front for Victory of the People of Syria.

The New York Times

In its first few seasons especially, it was a show that asked resonant questions about people who were memorable enough to make the whole adventure worth our time.

Huffington Post

The play doesn't answer these resonant questions, but it wears this binary thin in the repetitive posing of them.

The Guardian

The wholly resonant questions wrestled with in this briskly entertaining play by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell have to do with the inviolate demands of artists to see the world the way they choose to, and the mandate earthbound colleagues have, to keep them honest.

The Washington Post

This is one of the most resonant questions in the whole of the New Testament.

Huffington Post

"We're all looking for a resonant, universal language with which we can explore questions that you might call spiritual.

BBC

The extinction spectra are the combination of a resonant contribution (around the peak of the antenna resonance) and of a non-resonant contribution (outside of the resonance peak).

Biomedical Optics Express

It was a resonant point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a resonant question" when you want to emphasize the emotional impact or significance of an inquiry. It's more effective than a simple "important question" when aiming to convey depth and reverberation.

Common error

Avoid using "resonant" merely as a synonym for "important" or "significant". Ensure the question truly evokes a deeper, lingering effect or connection to larger themes to justify the adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a resonant question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "resonant" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable. It is used to describe a question that is impactful and evokes strong emotions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a resonant question" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe an inquiry that has a significant emotional or intellectual impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, its presence in news media and academic contexts suggests a versatile application for highlighting the depth and reverberating quality of particular questions. When using this phrase, ensure that the question truly possesses the power to evoke deeper thought and emotional response, differentiating it from merely an important question. Alternatives such as "a thought-provoking question" or "an impactful question" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thought-provoking question

Emphasizes the question's ability to stimulate deep thinking.

an impactful question

Highlights the question's significant effect or influence.

a deeply meaningful question

Focuses on the profound significance of the question.

a significant inquiry

Highlights the importance and relevance of the question.

a powerful question

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the question.

an echoing question

Suggests the question continues to reverberate and have lasting effects.

a question of consequence

Highlights that the question has considerable importance and potential ramifications.

a probing question

Focuses on the question's ability to delve deeply into a subject.

a question that lingers

Highlights the persistent impact and memorability of the question.

a question fraught with meaning

Emphasizes the question's complexity and depth of underlying significance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a resonant question" to describe an inquiry that evokes strong feelings or thoughts, prompting deep reflection or discussion. For example, "The speaker posed "a resonant question" about the future of our planet."

What are some alternatives to "a resonant question"?

Alternatives include "a thought-provoking question", "an impactful question", or "a deeply meaningful question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a question "resonant"?

A "resonant" question is one that continues to have an effect or influence, often prompting deeper reflection or connection to larger themes. It's not just important, but also evocative and lingering.

Is it appropriate to use "a resonant question" in formal writing?

Yes, "a resonant question" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to highlight the profound impact or significance of a query. However, ensure that the context warrants the use of such a strong descriptor.