be a serious question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a serious question" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to express that a question should be taken seriously or is of significant importance. Example: "I want to ask you to be honest; this is going to be a serious question."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

That can't be a serious question.

The New York Times - Books

I take this to be a serious question about the debilitating silence surrounding gynecological cancers.

The New York Times

"Implementation is going to be a serious question," said Anthony Salzman, who sells Caterpillar products in Vietnam.

The New York Times

"Not only was I not earning a decent living, there began to be a serious question in my mind whether practicing law could ever be an effective means of changing society or even of simple resistance to oppression".

The New York Times

But there must now be a serious question marks over whether that review, currently in the process of re-interviewing the main players, will result in further action or even see the light of day.

The Guardian - Sport

He said that if the "figures turn out to be anywhere near right, there would be a serious question over whether a government could legitimately lead a country along a path that the evidence and rational consideration indicate would be damaging".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's a serious question.

Independent

This is a serious question".

The New York Times

This was a serious question.

The New York Times

It was a serious question.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And, yes, this is a serious question.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for formal writing, consider alternative expressions such as "raise a significant question" or "present a critical issue" for clarity and grammatical precision.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "be a serious question" in professional documents. Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a serious question" functions as a subject complement, aiming to describe the nature or importance of a question. While Ludwig examples illustrate its usage, the phrasing is somewhat awkward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a serious question" is used to emphasize the importance of a question. However, it is considered grammatically questionable, according to Ludwig AI. While frequently found in news and media, its usage is advised against in formal writing where greater precision is required. Alternative phrasings such as "raise a critical issue" or "pose a significant problem" offer clearer and grammatically sound options. Although the phrase appears in various contexts, writers should exercise caution and opt for more precise alternatives in professional or academic settings. Ludwig AI also suggests that the phrase "be a serious question" is not correct in standard written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise fundamental questions

Highlights that the questions have a broad or basic implication.

raise a critical issue

Highlights the importance of the question, presenting it as a problem to be addressed.

pose a significant problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect implied in the original phrase, using stronger vocabulary.

warrant serious consideration

Emphasizes the need for careful thought, altering the sentence structure.

be a matter of concern

Shifts the focus to the worry or anxiety associated with the question, changing the phrasing slightly.

demand careful examination

Indicates the need for thorough scrutiny of the issue, modifying the original structure.

constitute a grave concern

Highlights the seriousness and potential negative consequences associated with the question, strengthening the language.

present a complex challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and intricacy of the question, framing it as a problem requiring a multifaceted approach.

require in-depth analysis

Specifies the necessity for a thorough and detailed evaluation.

call for urgent attention

Emphasizes the immediate need to address the issue, altering the focus from the question itself.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "be a serious question"?

You can use alternatives like "pose a significant problem", "raise a critical issue", or "warrant serious consideration" depending on the context.

Is "be a serious question" grammatically correct?

While used in various contexts, "be a serious question" is considered grammatically awkward. It's better to rephrase using alternatives for clarity.

How can I use "be a serious question" in a sentence correctly?

It's advisable to avoid this phrase in formal writing. However, if you intend to use it, ensure the surrounding sentence structure is clear and supports the intended meaning, although rephrasing is still recommended.

What's the difference between "be a serious question" and "raise a serious question"?

"Raise a serious question" is grammatically correct and implies bringing up an important issue for discussion. "Be a serious question" is less precise and can sound awkward; therefore, the first one is preferable.