a wider question about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wider question about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a broader topic or issue that extends beyond the immediate subject being discussed. Example: "While we can focus on the specifics of this case, it raises a wider question about the effectiveness of our current policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For me, this idea of a two-way street taps into a wider question about linguistic influence and evolution.

The Guardian

By muscling up aggressively against Dastyari, the government has thrown open the door on a wider question, about institutional influence more generally.

The Guardian

Underneath it all, however, is a wider question about Britain and what we sell – in a literal and figurative sense – to the rest of the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Harp's proposal has opened up discussion that goes beyond Georgia and raises a wider question about the role that HBCUs play in today's society and whether there are still compelling reasons for their existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is a wider question here about why the UK's tax yield is low and how its tax base came to be so narrow, so that even record jobs growth hasn't fed through as powerfully into healthier public finances.

Independent

"But there is a much wider question about how dissenting voices in modern, pluralist society are valued and heard in public debate, and the rubbishing in the public arena of Christian and biblical worldviews.

The Guardian

The wider question about cancer risk and outcome in people with mental disorders has received considerable attention over the years, although studies have principally investigated overall cancer-related mortality or cancer incidence.

BMJ Open

Thinking about death is a way of broaching wider questions about the point of gardens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At its best, O'Gorman's riffing becomes a way of exploring wider questions about life, the self and being human.

The Guardian - Books

It's a debate which raises wider questions about how best to preserve and open up historic places where little of what made them historic still remains.

BBC

The mishap came in the wake of problems Friday with a Southwest Airlines plane whose fuselage split, forcing an emergency landing of the Boeing 737-300, an incident that raised wider questions about the safety of the airline's fleet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wider question about" to introduce a broader perspective or implication that extends beyond a specific detail or isolated incident. This can add depth and context to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a wider question about" as a mere placeholder. Ensure that you genuinely expand upon the topic and provide meaningful insights beyond the initial statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wider question about" functions as an introducer for a broader topic following a specific detail. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability for initiating more encompassing discussions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wider question about" serves as a gateway to broader discussions, often following a specific point or detail. While relatively rare in overall usage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds its primary contexts in news, media and scientific writing. It's grammatically correct and functions to shift focus from a specific point to a more general issue. When using it, ensure you provide substantive insights to justify the expanded scope and avoid mere platitudes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broader inquiry into

Focuses on the act of investigation, implying a more formal or systematic examination.

a primary question of

Emphasizes the importance of a central inquiry.

a larger issue regarding

Emphasizes the scale and importance of the problem or subject under consideration.

a central matter pertaining to

Highlights the core subject or issue related to something.

a fundamental concern with

Highlights the foundational or essential nature of the worry or point of contention.

a key subject relating to

Points out an element of great importance within a larger context.

a significant debate surrounding

Draws attention to a controversy or discussion that has considerable importance.

a general discussion on

Implies a more open-ended and less focused exploration of a topic.

a prevailing idea about

Highlights a common belief or understanding that exists within a certain context.

an overarching theme concerning

Presents a unifying subject or motif that connects various aspects or elements.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a wider question about" into my writing?

Use "a wider question about" to transition from a specific point to a more general or abstract consideration. For example, after discussing a local issue, you might say, "This leads to "a wider question about" the role of community involvement in urban planning".

What are some alternatives to "a wider question about"?

Consider using phrases like "a broader inquiry into", "a larger issue regarding", or "a fundamental concern with" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a wider question about" in formal writing?

Yes, "a wider question about" is suitable for formal writing, especially when introducing a significant issue that warrants further exploration. However, ensure the subsequent discussion provides sufficient depth.

How does "a wider question about" differ from "a specific question about"?

"A wider question about" introduces a broad, encompassing issue, while "a specific question about" focuses on a particular detail or aspect. The former sets the stage for a more expansive discussion, whereas the latter seeks targeted information.