a vexing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vexing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is difficult to answer or causes frustration. Example: "The debate over climate change remains a vexing question for policymakers and scientists alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's become a vexing question.

The Guardian

This is a vexing question.

The New Yorker

A vexing question: why do men recycle less than women?

The Guardian

How far they might go to stop this remains a vexing question.

The Economist

That raises a vexing question: Does gender equality produce income inequality?

The New York Times

That's a vexing question political campaigns have been asking for decades.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Why the corchoviruses and NW begomoviruses should show such a constrained and uniform pattern of genetic variation is a more vexing question.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

But with the arrival of the seasonal onslaught comes a more vexing question: How much can you afford to see?

The New York Times

They will address a truly vexing question: how to harness the blessings of information abundance while simultaneously protecting against its misuse.

Forbes

Researchers have spent 30 years or more asking a simple yet vexing question: How do we create a drug that suppresses pain signals like the opioids but without the safety problems and addictive qualities?

Forbes

"The degree of Asperger's involvement in the targeting of Vienna's most vulnerable children has remained an open and vexing question in autism research for a long time," they wrote in a joint statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vexing question", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the question difficult or frustrating. Provide enough background information for the reader to understand the complexity of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a vexing question" too frequently in your writing. While it's a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a challenging question" or "a perplexing issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vexing question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a question that poses difficulties or causes annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vexing question" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a question or issue that is difficult to answer or resolve. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as well as academic writing, it serves to highlight complex problems across various fields. Alternatives include "a challenging question" or "a perplexing issue". Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage and provides numerous examples showcasing its applicability in diverse contexts. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure the context clearly communicates the source of difficulty or frustration associated with the question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult question

Focuses on the difficulty of the question, omitting the frustration aspect.

a tough question

Simplifies the phrasing to emphasize the difficulty.

a challenging question

Highlights the demanding nature of the question.

a perplexing question

Emphasizes the confusing nature of the question.

a baffling problem

Highlights the bewilderment caused by the problem.

an intricate problem

Shifts focus from a question to a complex problem.

a thorny issue

Implies the question is sensitive and difficult to handle.

a complex matter

Generalizes the 'question' to a 'matter', implying broader considerations.

a puzzling enigma

Highlights the mysterious and difficult-to-understand aspect.

a conundrum

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word that means a confusing and difficult problem or question.

FAQs

What does "a vexing question" mean?

The phrase "a vexing question" refers to a question that is difficult to answer or understand, often causing frustration or annoyance.

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

You can use "a vexing question" to introduce a problem or issue that is challenging to resolve. For example, "The debate over healthcare reform remains "a vexing question" for policymakers."

What are some alternatives to "a vexing question"?

Alternatives include "a difficult question", "a challenging question", or "a perplexing question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a vexing question" formal or informal?

"A vexing question" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and general discussions.