a topical question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a topical question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is relevant to current events or issues of interest. Example: "During the debate, the moderator posed a topical question about climate change that sparked a lively discussion among the candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

WHY indeed whether great art and great architecture flourish together in particular cities at particular times is obviously a topical question.

The Economist

Soon after, Verhoeven ended the project, but not before unwittingly posing a topical question: in a 24/7 surveillance society, where omniscience isn't just God's thing, what should be private?

The Guardian - Arts

The debate began with a topical question for both candidates: whether the death penalty should be applied to Stephen J. Hayes, a former parolee who had been convicted just hours earlier for participating in a home invasion in Cheshire, Conn., in which a woman and her two daughters were killed.

The New York Times

The persistence of generalists and specialists is a topical question in community ecology and results from both ecological and evolutionary processes.

Ecological Processes

He added: "It is a topical question and one that I am sure is being heavily debated in Uefa - not just today but I bet they've been doing it for the last four years since it was decided the tournament would take place in Poland and Ukraine.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is a highly topical question, and in this timely book Robert Winder provides a wealth of background information to try to reassure contemporary alarmists.

The Guardian - Books

Today the play has lost none of its potency since it poses a perennially topical question: at which point does it become legitimate to unseat a leader who claims unquestioned authority whether it be divine, as in Richard's age, or democratic, as in our own?

The Guardian

A very topical question, with arguments raging about the Year of Code.

BBC

During the meal, the president would single out each guest by asking a searing, usually topical, question related to the guest's field.

The New York Times

A first, very topical question concerns the ability of activation to deliver good labour market outcomes in a steep downturn when the supply of job vacancies is reduced significantly.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

A fundamental and topical question in EB research is whether EBs are domain general or domain specific [ 6, 23– 25].

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a topical question", ensure the context clearly indicates why the question is relevant to current events or discussions. Providing background information can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a topical question" for issues that are perpetually relevant. Topicality implies a connection to current, time-sensitive events or discussions. For enduring issues, consider using phrases like "a fundamental question" or "a perennial issue" instead.

Linguistic Context

"A topical question" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a question that is relevant to current events or discussions. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and effectively conveys the question's pertinence. It is commonly used to introduce discussions or inquiries about current subjects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a topical question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a question that is relevant to current events or discussions. Though Ludwig indicates it is grammatically correct, the phrase appears with relative infrequency. Its usage spans across news media and scientific contexts, highlighting its applicability in both journalistic and academic spheres. The phrase is best used when the question's relevance to current affairs is clear, and care should be taken to avoid using it for issues that are perpetually relevant rather than time-sensitive. Alternatives such as "a relevant inquiry" or "a timely query" can offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a relevant inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry' and 'topical' with 'relevant', focusing on the pertinence of the question.

a timely query

Substitutes 'question' with 'query' and 'topical' with 'timely', emphasizing the question's appropriateness for the moment.

a pertinent matter

Transforms the sentence to focus on the 'matter' at hand, deeming it 'pertinent' or highly relevant.

a current concern

Shifts from a question to a 'concern' that is 'current', highlighting its present-day importance.

a pressing issue

Replaces the question with an 'issue' that is 'pressing', suggesting urgency and importance.

an up-to-date matter

Changes 'topical' to 'up-to-date', maintaining the focus on current relevance but with a slightly different tone.

a contemporary problem

Presents the question as a 'problem' that is 'contemporary', emphasizing its modern context.

a significant debate point

Transforms the question into a 'debate point' that is 'significant', highlighting its importance in discussions.

an important consideration now

Shifts the focus to 'consideration', stressing its importance 'now', which implies topicality.

a key issue at the moment

Highlights the 'issue' as 'key' and relevant 'at the moment', conveying its present-day significance.

FAQs

What does "a topical question" mean?

The phrase "a topical question" refers to a question that is relevant and of interest in current affairs or discussions. It is a question that pertains to subjects that are currently being discussed or debated.

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

You can use "a topical question" to introduce a subject that is currently relevant or under discussion. For example, "The interviewer raised "a topical question" about the government's new environmental policy."

What are some alternatives to "a topical question"?

Alternatives to "a topical question" include "a relevant inquiry", "a timely query", or "a pertinent matter". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a topical question" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing current events or issues. However, ensure the tone and language are consistent with the overall formality of the document.