a valuable question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valuable question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is important or significant in a particular context. Example: "During the meeting, she raised a valuable question about the project's timeline that prompted further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But, in de Acosta, Cohen has found a subject that raises a valuable question: What does it mean to "service," another woman — physically, spiritually, mentally?

The New Yorker

A valuable question from Ashcroft Lord Ashcroft, the multimillionaire who bankrolled the Conservative Party during its darkest years, asked a good question this week: whether the report on political party finance by the Committee on Standards in Public Life "represents good value for money".

Independent

A valuable question is then how small do strategies need to be to enable efficient optimal planning.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

At a time when public officials across the country are considering sweeping revisions to building codes, and some tenants are struggling to regain confidence in the safety of skyscrapers, many technical experts say there are good reasons they have dealt so gingerly with such a volatile, if perhaps valuable, question.

The New York Times

When I feel that, I've found that the most valuable question I can ask myself is "Who is the person I want to be in this situation?" Or even more specifically, "How would I behave here at my best?" Choosing not to write about that food industry chief executive I met last week — at least not before I was capable of developing a more thoughtful, nuanced view — was me behaving better.

The New York Times

I thank you, dear MHH, for your valuable question, and hope that this column provides you with useful answers.

Huffington Post

While not conclusive in their own right, the preliminary results presented here raise a number of valuable questions regarding δ13C juvenile effects that require further study of both plantation and natural kauri.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

The problem is that judgment calls, like 'work harder' and the search for magic secrets stop short of the really valuable questions, the ones that really could make a difference in finding work.

Huffington Post

I ask questions, hopefully valuable questions, and we will see where the research lands".

The New Yorker

But Gershenzon added that the Rothamsted experiments could answer valuable questions his own work could not.

The Guardian

But I think these are valuable questions, and I appreciate the fact that Mr Blanchard has been bold enough to raise them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a valuable question", clearly articulate its relevance to the discussion or problem at hand to underscore its importance.

Common error

Avoid labeling a question as "a valuable question" without explaining why it matters. Provide context to justify its importance to the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valuable question" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "question". It indicates that the question being posed is of considerable worth or importance. Ludwig confirms the proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a valuable question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to denote the importance of a query. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While examples are relatively rare, this phrase effectively highlights the significance of an inquiry. To enhance your writing, ensure you provide context when using this phrase to justify its value and avoid overstating its importance without proper explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important inquiry

Replaces "valuable" with "important" and "question" with "inquiry", emphasizing the significance of the query.

a significant question

Substitutes "valuable" with "significant", highlighting the weight and impact of the question.

a worthwhile question

Replaces "valuable" with "worthwhile", suggesting the question is deserving of time and effort.

a relevant question

Focuses on the pertinence and applicability of the question to the current situation.

a crucial question to ask

Emphasizes the necessity of posing the question.

an insightful question

Highlights the depth and understanding reflected in the question.

a pertinent question

Stresses the direct relevance of the question to the matter at hand.

a key question

Indicates that the question is fundamental and essential.

a productive line of questioning

Shifts focus to the potential benefits and results from asking this question.

an essential question to consider

Highlights the critical nature of contemplating this question.

FAQs

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

Use "a valuable question" to introduce an inquiry that is significant, insightful, or crucial to the topic being discussed. For example, "She raised "a valuable question" about the budget allocation that changed the course of the meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "a valuable question"?

You can use phrases like "an important inquiry", "a significant question", or "a worthwhile question" to convey a similar meaning.

What makes a question "valuable"?

A question is "valuable" if it provides new insights, challenges existing assumptions, or leads to productive discussions and solutions. It contributes meaningfully to the understanding of a subject.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state that a question is "valuable"?

No, it's not always necessary. Sometimes, the value of a question is evident from its content and the context in which it's asked. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact; use it judiciously when you want to emphasize the significance of a particular inquiry.