a vital question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vital question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance or significance of a particular question in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In the context of climate change, the most vital question we must address is how to reduce carbon emissions effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A vital question arises.

The New York Times

So it's a vital question.

The Guardian

Given global demographic changes, it's a vital question.

The New York Times

Funk's piece asks a vital question: "So what went wrong?

The New York Times

(1863; A Vital Question or What Is to Be Done?).

Britannica

We still must confront a vital question: Does compassion promote altruistic behavior?

University of California, Berkeley

Environmental groups contend, however, that the flow rate is a vital question.

The New York Times

It was in fact a vital question, and it is his answer that was offensive.

The Times

– the phrase "somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds" raises a vital question.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a vital question, and I get it: I want to help, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a once-in a-generation opportunity to answer a vital question.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vital question", ensure the question's importance is clear within the context. Frame it to highlight its potential impact or consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a vital question" too frequently. Overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "a key question" or "an essential question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vital question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as a subject complement or an object, typically introducing or highlighting a critical inquiry within a discussion or argument. Ludwig AI indicates that is acceptable in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vital question" is a frequently used phrase to emphasize the significance of an inquiry across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in formal writing. It’s most commonly found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, denoting a critical issue that requires attention. When using the phrase, ensure that the importance of the question is evident within the context, and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives such as "an essential question" or "a crucial question" for variety. Using these tips, you can effectively highlight the importance of inquiries in your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential question

Replaces 'vital' with 'essential', emphasizing necessity.

a crucial question

Substitutes 'vital' with 'crucial', highlighting a decisive aspect.

a key question

Uses 'key' instead of 'vital', indicating central importance.

a significant question

Replaces 'vital' with 'significant', stressing importance.

an important question

Substitutes 'vital' with 'important', a more general term for relevance.

a central question

Uses 'central' instead of 'vital', indicating focus.

a pressing question

Replaces 'vital' with 'pressing', highlighting urgency.

a critical question

Substitutes 'vital' with 'critical', emphasizing a turning point.

a fundamental question

Replaces 'vital' with 'fundamental', stressing foundational importance.

a primary question

Substitutes 'vital' with 'primary', indicating main importance.

FAQs

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

Use "a vital question" to introduce an inquiry that is essential to the discussion or understanding of a topic. For example, "A vital question for policymakers is how to balance economic growth with environmental protection."

What can I say instead of "a vital question"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential question", "a crucial question", or "a significant question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a vital question" or "an vital question"?

"A vital question" is correct. Since "vital" begins with a consonant sound, the indefinite article "a" is used.

What's the difference between "a vital question" and "an important question"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "a vital question" suggests that the question is absolutely necessary or critical. "An important question" is more general and indicates that the question is simply noteworthy.