a standing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a standing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that remains unresolved or is consistently relevant over time. Example: "In our discussions about climate change, the impact on future generations remains a standing question that we must address."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The reason for that is a standing question in evolutionary biology.

The New Yorker

A standing question is how this transition is controlled.

EMBO Journal

From the considerations above, this conjecture implies that generic smooth four dimensional cubic is not rational, a standing question in algebraic geometry.

Advances in Mathematics

Whether repeated MSC doses may lead to sustained anti‐inflammatory activity is a standing question of particular relevance for clinical translation that requires pharmacodynamics‐like studies.

Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A long standing question in the field is which of these two processes plays a primary role.

Plosone

Whether equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and solar quiet (Sq) are independent systems or not is a long standing question.

Advances in Space Research

It has been a long standing question for nuclear physics experiments how limiting these compromises are and how they can be dealt with.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

It has been a long standing question how spindle microtubules (as well as the associated motor molecules) generate the poleward forces to segregate chromosomes during cell division.

Plosone

The extent of reprogramming of the adopted genome in fusion experiments has been a long standing question that can now be answered using massively parallel transcriptome sequencing combined with genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis.

Plosone

The origin of the Chica population (O8) has been a long standing question in the Astyanax literature [ 7].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Whether females gain any indirect benefit from their choice of mates is a long standing question in evolutionary biology.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a standing question" when you want to emphasize that an issue has remained unresolved for a significant period and is still relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a standing question" when you simply mean a frequent or common question. "Standing" implies the question has persisted without a definitive answer, not just that it's asked often.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a standing question" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies a question that remains unresolved or is consistently relevant, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a standing question" is a phrase used to describe an unresolved or ongoing issue, predominantly found in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically sound, though relatively rare. It's important to use it precisely to denote persistence rather than mere frequency. Related phrases include "an open question" and "an unresolved issue", offering alternative ways to express the same concept with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent question

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the question and its continued relevance.

an unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of a solution or decision, emphasizing the state of being unsettled.

an open question

Highlights the lack of a definitive answer or conclusion.

a pending issue

Emphasizes that the issue is awaiting resolution or action.

an ongoing debate

Highlights the continuous discussion and differing opinions surrounding the topic.

a perennial question

Emphasizes the long-lasting and recurring nature of the question throughout history.

a matter of debate

Highlights the controversial nature of the subject.

a continuing inquiry

Focuses on the investigative aspect and the ongoing search for information.

a remaining puzzle

Highlights the enigmatic or mysterious aspect of the unresolved issue.

a constant challenge

Highlights the difficulties associated with the issue and the need for continuous effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a standing question" to refer to an unresolved issue. For example: "Whether repeated MSC doses may lead to sustained anti-inflammatory activity is "a standing question" of particular relevance for clinical translation".

What's a good alternative to "a standing question"?

Alternatives include "an open question", "an unresolved issue", or "a persistent question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a long standing question" instead of "a standing question"?

While both phrases are used, "a long-standing question" is more common and emphasizes the duration of the unresolved issue. "A standing question" simply highlights that the question remains unanswered.

What makes a question "a standing question" rather than just an ordinary question?

A question becomes "a standing question" when it has remained unanswered or unresolved for a considerable period and continues to be relevant or debated. It implies persistence and lack of closure.