a vast question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is broad, complex, or encompasses a wide range of topics or issues. Example: "The topic of climate change raises a vast question about our responsibility to future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That is a vast question.

The New York Times

A modest query and a vast question.

The Guardian - Books

"Moonrise Kingdom" poses a vast question: Who are the righteous?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sanders's campaign has earned real victories and overachieved on a vast scale the question now is whether his final battle will overshadow the policy goals he set out to accomplish in the first place.

Vice

Sanders's campaign has earned real victories and overachieved on a vast scale the question now is whether his final battle willovershadow the policy goals he set out to accomplish in the first place.

Vice

"And if Germany is not interested in Russia, in taking leadership on the vast question of how to handle Russia, then nobody will do it".

The New York Times

Therefore, I am satisfied with positing for the first time that the mutational writing phenotype exists, and with tying it to the problem of sex and the nature of the evolution of complex adaptation, and I leave for future research the vast question of its internal workings.

Biology Direct

Is a land with such beauty and possibility, with these vast questions still to answer in my lifetime, a land whose addiction can ever be escaped?

The New York Times

Chasing the Stars poses a number of moral dilemmas for Vee which resonates the vast questions echoing in the minds of Europe's leaders but also its citizens and civil society right now.

The Guardian

It deploys the simplest of graphics and text to ponder vast questions about our humanity.

The Guardian

These are vast questions for our age, and questions that are too important to be determined by commercial concerns, or by an uninformed government.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vast question", ensure the context clearly indicates the question's extensive scope or complexity. This helps the reader understand the magnitude of the issue being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast question" for simple inquiries. Reserve it for issues that genuinely involve broad implications, multifaceted elements, or profound uncertainties. For instance, saying "Is it raining outside?" is not a "vast question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast question" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vast' modifies 'question' to emphasize its breadth and complexity. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to introduce inquiries of significant scope, indicating its role in setting the stage for complex discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote inquiries of considerable scope and complexity. Ludwig AI analysis and the provided examples suggest that while not overly frequent, it is appropriately used in news, media, and scientific contexts to introduce significant, multifaceted inquiries. The phrase serves to emphasize the breadth of the topic, signalling that it requires thorough consideration. Related phrases like "an expansive inquiry" or "a wide-ranging query" can be used as alternatives to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expansive inquiry

Substitutes 'vast' with 'expansive' and 'question' with 'inquiry', implying a broad scope of investigation.

a wide-ranging query

Replaces 'vast' with 'wide-ranging' and 'question' with 'query', emphasizing the breadth of the question.

a comprehensive problem

Shifts from a question to a 'comprehensive problem', focusing on the complexity and all-encompassing nature of the issue.

a far-reaching issue

Emphasizes the extended impact or implications of the 'issue' at hand.

a complex matter

Highlights the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the 'matter'.

a substantial concern

Focuses on the significance and weight of the 'concern' being addressed.

a profound enigma

Replaces 'question' with 'enigma', suggesting a deeply mysterious and difficult-to-understand issue.

a weighty subject

Highlights the importance and seriousness of the 'subject'.

a significant dilemma

Presents the question as a 'dilemma' that is notably important or impactful.

a major point

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the crucial or central aspect of the 'point'.

FAQs

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

Use "a vast question" to describe inquiries with broad implications, multifaceted elements, or profound uncertainties. For example, "The ethical implications of AI raise "a vast question" about the future of work."

What are some alternatives to "a vast question"?

You can use alternatives such as "an expansive inquiry", "a wide-ranging query", or "a comprehensive problem" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a vast question" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a vast question" may sound somewhat formal for casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "a big question" or "a major issue" might be more suitable.

What makes a question 'vast'?

A 'vast' question typically involves numerous interconnected factors, requires consideration of wide-ranging perspectives, and may lack a simple or straightforward answer. It often touches on fundamental principles or has far-reaching consequences.