an outstanding question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outstanding question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or unresolved issue that requires further discussion or investigation. Example: "During the meeting, we identified an outstanding question regarding the project's timeline that needs to be addressed before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But where the diversity comes from, he says, is "a bit of an outstanding question".

Science Magazine

Understanding how a functional organ can be produced from a small group of cells remains an outstanding question in cell and developmental biology.

Developmental Biology

However, how to modulate the geometric configuration and relative binding affinity of the two domains for optimal activity remains an outstanding question.

Biophysical Journal

While the devices in themselves are not really a surprise after countless of leaks, the price of the iPhone 5C was still an outstanding question.

TechCrunch

However, an outstanding question is whether connectivity of amygdala subregions, specifically the centromedial (CM), laterobasal (LB) and superficial (SF) nuclei, are modulated by brain state (i.e., task vs. rest).

NeuroImage

Despite the prevalence of fluorescent pigments in corals, their role remains an outstanding question.

Plosone

The frequency of adaptive evolution acting on common loci in distant lineages remains an outstanding question in evolutionary biology.

Plosone

The relative contribution of extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms to cortical development is an intensely debated issue and an outstanding question in neurobiology.

Plosone

"The mechanism is still an outstanding question," Edwards says.

Genome Biology and Evolution

How these abilities were acquired remains an outstanding question in protistan biology.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, to what extent autophagy is required for disease development is an outstanding question.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an outstanding question", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the question important or unresolved. Provide enough background information for the reader to understand the significance of the question.

Common error

While "an outstanding question" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a key issue" or "a central challenge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outstanding question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an outstanding question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to highlight significant, unresolved issues requiring further investigation. While effective, it's advisable to vary language and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as "an open question" or "an unresolved issue" to maintain reader engagement and ensure clarity. Proper context is crucial when employing this phrase to ensure its intended meaning is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an open question

Replaces "outstanding" with "open", suggesting a question that remains to be answered or decided.

an unanswered query

Replaces "question" with "query" and "outstanding" with "unanswered", maintaining a formal tone.

an unresolved issue

Shifts the focus from a question to a broader issue that is not yet settled.

an unsettled problem

Replaces "question" with "problem", indicating an issue that has not yet been resolved.

a pending matter

Replaces "question" with "matter", indicating something that is waiting to be resolved or dealt with.

a remaining challenge

Frames the question as a challenge that needs to be overcome.

a matter requiring further consideration

Highlights the need for deeper thought and evaluation.

a topic for further investigation

Emphasizes the need for more research or study.

a point of contention

Suggests a disagreement or debate that needs to be resolved.

a subject under debate

Implies an ongoing discussion or argument about a particular issue.

FAQs

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

Use "an outstanding question" to introduce an important issue that needs to be addressed or researched further. For example, "An outstanding question is whether current policies adequately address climate change."

What are some alternatives to "an outstanding question"?

You can use alternatives such as "an open question", "an unresolved issue", or "a pending matter" depending on the specific context.

Is "an outstanding question" formal or informal?

"An outstanding question" is generally considered formal and is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

What makes a question "outstanding"?

A question is "outstanding" when it is significant, unresolved, and requires further investigation or discussion. It often implies that the answer to the question could have important implications or consequences.