beg the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beg the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a statement or argument assumes the truth of the very thing it is trying to prove, often leading to circular reasoning. Example: "His argument that we should not trust politicians because they are untrustworthy begs the question of what makes them untrustworthy in the first place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Which does rather beg the question why?

Independent

They do not "beg" the question.

The New York Times

This is not what "beg the question" means.

The New York Times

They also beg the question of documentary truth.

The Guardian - Arts

Which will surely beg the question, where is Clara?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the arrangement does beg the question: So what now?

The New York Times

Conversely, wheelchair dancing seems to me to beg the question.

The New York Times - Arts

This isn't what "beg the question" means, as we have noted often.

The New York Times

It did beg the question of faith — that crapshoot of survival.

The New Yorker

Memoirs so often beg the question, Why would you want to tell me all this?

The New Yorker

That would only beg the question of who stumps up for it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beg the question" precisely to denote arguments that assume the conclusion they aim to prove. Avoid using it merely to mean "raise the question" to maintain clarity and logical rigor in your writing.

Common error

Don't use "beg the question" when you simply mean "raise the question" or "prompt the question". This is a common misuse that dilutes the phrase's specific meaning related to circular reasoning.

How to use

Learn how to use "beg the question" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beg the question" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a point of inquiry or highlights a logical fallacy. It's often used to indicate that an argument assumes the conclusion it's trying to prove. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beg the question" is a verb phrase used to indicate that an argument assumes the conclusion it is trying to prove, highlighting a logical fallacy rather than simply raising a question. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used. The most common error is using it to mean "raise the question", which dilutes its specific meaning. To maintain clarity, use it precisely to denote circular reasoning. It appears frequently in News & Media and scientific contexts, with a neutral register. Remember to use alternatives like "raise the question" or "assume the conclusion" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the question

Focuses on the act of introducing a question rather than assuming something is true.

prompt the question

Similar to "raise the question", but implies a more direct and immediate instigation of the question.

lead to the question

Emphasizes the sequential nature of how a question arises from a preceding statement or situation.

assume the conclusion

Highlights the logical fallacy of presupposing the truth of what one is trying to prove.

presuppose the answer

Implies that the answer is taken for granted without proper justification.

take for granted

Suggests that something is accepted as true without questioning or verifying it.

begging the premise

Highlights the action of presuming the premise to be true.

assume without proof

Directly points out the lack of evidence or justification for an assumption.

circular reasoning

Draws attention to the logical fallacy where the conclusion is used to support the premise, and vice versa.

evade the question

Focuses on avoiding the question.

FAQs

What does "beg the question" actually mean?

In logic, "beg the question" refers to a fallacy where an argument assumes the very conclusion it's trying to prove, leading to circular reasoning. It's not simply raising a question.

Is it correct to use "beg the question" to mean "raise the question"?

While increasingly common, using "beg the question" to mean "raise the question" is considered an incorrect usage by many. For clarity, use "raise the question" or "prompt the question" instead.

What are some alternatives to "beg the question" that accurately reflect its logical meaning?

To accurately convey the meaning of "beg the question" (logical fallacy), consider using phrases like "assume the conclusion", "circular reasoning", or "presuppose the answer".

How can I avoid misusing "beg the question" in my writing?

Before using "beg the question", ensure your argument doesn't assume the truth of what you're trying to prove. If you're merely introducing a new point or inquiry, opt for phrases like "raise the question" or "lead to the question".