an ongoing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that is continuously relevant or being discussed over time. Example: "The issue of climate change remains an ongoing question in scientific research and public policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It raised an ongoing question about the president's leadership on the issue: when does rhetoric become reality?

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, the fate of Vodafone's 45percentt stake in the joint venture has been an ongoing question.

The New York Times

One question is about value for money in terms of how the work was done initially and then an ongoing question of the drain on budgets".

The Guardian

The US Food and Drug Administration FDAA) published a report on lead and lipsticks and has an ongoing question and answer page on its website.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

During an ongoing question and answer session in Nicosia, Eurogroup chief Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters that they can exclude the idea of Greece leaving the euro.

The Guardian - Business

"Race is an ongoing question in America.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

An important ongoing question is whether and how QBA outcomes relate to physiological and neurobiological parameters, an issue considered crucial by many scientists in demonstrating the biological validity of QBA.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

The announcement is clearly a watershed in the ongoing question of valuation for real estate.

Forbes

It also provides a possible answer to the ongoing question of what became of all those NHS beds.

The Guardian - Sport

However, it is still an ongoing controversy question as to the removal of the global brain signal since it could lead to ambiguous interpretations of biological mechanisms of correlations [75].

Plosone

Due to short atmospheric half-lives and multiple formation pathways, positively identifying sources of OPAH is an ongoing research question.

Environmental Science & Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, consider replacing "an ongoing question" with more specific terms like "unresolved issue" or "lingering concern" if they better capture the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing question" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "unresolved issue" or by rephrasing the question to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig examples show it commonly identifies issues under continuous consideration or lacking resolution. This expression frames a topic as a subject of sustained inquiry or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing question" is a noun phrase used to describe a topic that is continuously under discussion or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. While "an ongoing question" is a common phrase, writers should consider synonyms such as "an unresolved issue" or "a matter of debate" to avoid redundancy and enhance clarity. The phrase serves to highlight the sustained inquiry or uncertainty surrounding a particular issue, prompting further consideration or analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing question

Replaces "ongoing" with "continuing", emphasizing the uninterrupted nature of the question.

an unresolved question

Focuses on the lack of a solution or answer to the question.

a persistent question

Highlights the enduring nature of the question, suggesting it keeps resurfacing.

a standing question

Emphasizes that the question remains relevant and unanswered.

a recurring question

Indicates that the question appears repeatedly over time.

a lingering question

Suggests the question remains present, often causing doubt or uncertainty.

an open question

Indicates that the question is still under consideration and without a definitive answer.

a matter of ongoing debate

Shifts focus to the debate surrounding the question.

a subject of continuing inquiry

Formal alternative emphasizing the investigative nature of the question.

a topic of persistent inquiry

Highlights the sustained investigation into the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing question" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing question" to refer to issues that are continuously being discussed or investigated. For example: "The effectiveness of the new policy remains "an ongoing question" among the board members."

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an unresolved issue", "a persistent inquiry", or "a matter of debate", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a ongoing question" instead of "an ongoing question"?

No, the correct usage is "an ongoing question". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an ongoing question" and "a recurring question"?

"An ongoing question" implies continuous relevance or discussion, while "a recurring question" suggests that the question appears repeatedly over time. The best choice depends on whether the emphasis is on continuity or repetition.