a very big question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very big question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is significant, complex, or important in nature. Example: "The topic of climate change raises a very big question about our future and the actions we need to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

That is a very big question".

The New York Times

"We've passed on a very big question to everyone.

Stanford University

Manyenga said, "I have a very big question to ask you".

The New Yorker

"Money is going to continue to be a very big question for this project," he said.

The New York Times

"There's a very big question as to the anchor babies," he said.

The Guardian

I think there's a very big question mark over that," the treasurer said.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"There are very big question marks about how to stop contagion, how to create a proper ring-fenced mechanism so you don't get a knock-on effect from one country to the next.

The Guardian

Janette Currie Stirling, Great Britain JUDITH THURMAN: Very big question.

The New Yorker

The very big question is when.

Harvard Business Review

Whether he can, uh, relocate the songwriting gifts that brought him here is the very big question.

The Guardian - Music

But it's also the first of your films that deals with the very big question, the relationship between life and death.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very big question", ensure the context supports the magnitude of the inquiry, avoiding overuse in trivial situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a very big question" for issues that are not genuinely complex or significant, as this can dilute the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very big question" functions as a noun phrase that highlights the significance and complexity of an inquiry. Ludwig's examples show that it's often used to introduce discussions on important and multifaceted topics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very big question" is a versatile phrase used to underscore the significance and complexity of an inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across news, academic, and professional contexts. While "a very big question" is quite common, remember to consider alternatives such as "a significant question" or "a major question" for different shades of emphasis. When using "a very big question", ensure that the context truly warrants such emphasis to maintain its impact and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant question

Emphasizes importance but less emphatic than "very big".

a major question

Highlights the scale and impact of the question.

a crucial question

Stresses the critical nature and potential consequences.

an important question

A more general term emphasizing relevance.

a critical issue

Shifts focus from a question to a broader problem.

a fundamental question

Highlights the foundational nature of the inquiry.

a key question

Focuses on the question's centrality to an issue.

a central question

Emphasizes the question's core position in a discussion.

a pressing question

Highlights the urgency of the inquiry.

a complex question

Focuses on the intricate nature of the inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "a very big question" in a sentence?

Use "a very big question" to introduce a topic that is complex, significant, and requires thorough consideration. For example: "The ethics of AI raises "a very big question" about the future of work".

What are some alternatives to "a very big question"?

Alternatives include "a significant question", "a major question", or "a crucial question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a very big question" can be used in formal writing, especially when emphasizing the importance or complexity of the topic being discussed. However, consider alternatives like "a significant question" for a more subtle emphasis.

What makes a question qualify as "a very big question"?

A question qualifies as "a very big question" when it addresses a fundamental issue, has wide-ranging implications, or involves significant complexity. It often provokes extensive debate and requires deep analysis.