an unresolved question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unresolved question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question or issue that has not yet been answered or settled. Example: "The debate surrounding climate change remains an unresolved question among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Right now, it's an unresolved question".

The New York Times

Its status as a spoken language in western and central Anatolia is an unresolved question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said an unresolved question was whether the men had help breaking out of the prison.

The New York Times

But I think it's great for a play to come from an unresolved question.

The Guardian

He's tormented by an unresolved question: what if the Johnson Administration completely misunderstood the ambitions of the Vietnamese Communists?

The New Yorker

There is great craftsmanship in Singh's account, and an unresolved question at the heart of this story.

The Guardian

When and how it will end and what happens to the backlog is still "an unresolved question," Mr. Buford said.

The New York Times - Books

But the Electoral College can cause significant enough distortions in turnout and strategy that this should be regarded as an unresolved question.

The New York Times

At least with Google and other tech services we know we're getting something; whether we actually are more secure because of the NSA's surveillance is an unresolved question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Uneasy at the disquiet of the Agnus Dei, and the way in which the choir seems to finish on an unresolved question?

The Guardian - Music

"There's been an unresolved question about why a sprinkler wasn't provided on that porch area," said Robert E. Solomon, a fire safety expert at the association who served on the state panel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unresolved question", ensure the context clearly indicates why the question remains unanswered. Providing background information enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an unresolved question" when a question has been definitively answered, even if the answer is complex or disputed. Reserve the phrase for genuine uncertainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unresolved question" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something as a question that lacks an answer. Ludwig AI shows several examples where it introduces a topic needing further investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unresolved question" is a widely used phrase, appearing predominantly in scientific and news contexts, to denote issues or inquiries that lack definitive answers. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. Related phrases, such as "an open question" or "an unsettled matter", offer nuanced alternatives. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly explains the nature of the unresolved issue. Avoid employing it when a question has been definitively answered. This phrase is suitable for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an open question

This alternative is more general and suggests the question is still being considered.

an unsettled matter

This alternative emphasizes the lack of agreement or finality.

an undecided issue

This alternative highlights that a decision has not yet been reached.

a pending inquiry

This alternative suggests a formal investigation is ongoing.

a debatable point

This alternative focuses on the aspect of being argued or discussed.

a moot point

This alternative suggests the issue is no longer practically relevant or worth discussing, although it is often misused to mean the opposite.

a contentious topic

This alternative indicates that the question is likely to cause disagreement or argument.

a gray area

This alternative conveys the idea that the question lacks clear definition or a straightforward answer.

a matter of conjecture

This alternative suggests that any answer is based on speculation rather than solid evidence.

a puzzle

This alternative implies a question that is difficult to understand or solve.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unresolved question" to introduce a topic or issue that has not yet been definitively answered or settled. For example, "The impact of social media on political discourse remains "an unresolved question"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "an unresolved question"?

Alternatives to "an unresolved question" include "an open question", "an unsettled matter", or "an undecided issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an unresolved question" in formal writing?

Yes, "an unresolved question" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral and objective way to describe an issue that lacks a definitive answer, as demonstrated by its usage in academic, news, and business contexts.

What's the difference between "an unresolved question" and "a solved problem"?

"An unresolved question" refers to a query or issue that lacks a definite answer or solution. Conversely, "a solved problem" indicates that a solution or answer has been found and confirmed. They are opposite in meaning.