beggars the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"beggars the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to indicate that a statement is too simplistic or doesn't address the real issue. For example, you could say, "The fact that the new policy was ineffective begs the question, why were the right measures not taken?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The problem lies in the overarching conception of Master, which beggars the question, What the hell is this about?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The question is whether beggars can be choosers.

Forbes

No. Though my trickle-down convictions may beggar my neighbor, I will not beg the question, because I am not in the fallacy dodge.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here is how it began: At the big white D.C. mansion There's a meeting of the mob And the question on the table Is which beggars will they rob.

The New York Times

no, "Beggars Banquet"), the band offers… Now that the voting is a week behind us and most of the counting's done, we can pop the question: What's this year's Magic Number?… A reader asks: Here's a question.

The New Yorker

Jean is accosted by a young black man, Amadou (Ona Lu Yenke), who tells him to apologize to the beggar; a scuffle breaks out, the cops roll up, Amadou is taken away in handcuffs, the beggar is questioned, and another handful of lives, already under pressure, begin to crack.

The New Yorker

It beggars the imagination".

The New York Times - Arts

It beggars the imagination, and is below.

The New Yorker

Tells how the Police Department Mendicant Squad works; the jargon of beggars, approximate earnings, how they are licenced; Jewish beggars, the function of the Beggars Clinic, for the rehabilitation of derelicts.

The New Yorker

The Kentucky Democratic Party's response beggars the imagination.

Huffington Post

"And, at that interview, did he assure the panel that one of his first moves would be to bring back Woodward?" The second question beggars belief.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beggars the question" when you want to imply that something is so remarkable or unbelievable that it prompts a fundamental inquiry about its nature or origin.

Common error

Avoid using "beggars the question" to mean 'raises the question'. The phrase actually implies the question is avoided or assumed in the argument, often revealing a circular argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beggars the question" functions as an idiomatic expression, often serving as a rhetorical device. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. It is generally used to express surprise or disbelief about a situation, suggesting it prompts a fundamental question.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beggars the question" is a grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to convey astonishment or incredulity, indicating that something prompts a fundamental question. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase. Although "begs the question" is more common, "beggars the question" carries a nuance of surprise. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to highlight inexplicable situations and invite reflection on underlying causes. When writing, make sure that it implies that something is so remarkable or unbelievable that it prompts a fundamental inquiry about its nature or origin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raises the question

Focuses on the act of posing a question, less idiomatic.

prompts the question

Similar to 'raises the question' but emphasizes the instigation of inquiry.

leads to the question

Highlights the progression of thought to a particular question.

invites the question

Emphasizes the naturalness or inevitability of the question arising.

suggests the question

Subtly brings a question to mind without directly stating it.

gives rise to the question

Highlights the origin or cause of the question.

poses the problem

Shifts focus from a question to a problem or challenge.

presents a conundrum

Highlights the confusing and intricate nature of the question.

defies explanation

Indicates something so extraordinary that it cannot be readily explained.

strains credulity

Highlights the difficulty in believing or accepting something as true.

FAQs

How can I use "beggars the question" in a sentence?

Use "beggars the question" to indicate that something is so astonishing or improbable that it raises a fundamental question about its validity or explanation. For example, "The company's sudden success, with no apparent innovation, "beggars the question": how did they achieve it?"

What does "beggars the question" actually mean?

"Beggars the question" means that something is so remarkable or unbelievable that it prompts a significant question, often implying disbelief or wonder. It doesn't simply mean 'raises the question', but rather suggests the situation is perplexing or defies easy explanation.

What can I say instead of "beggars the question"?

You can use alternatives like "raises the question", "prompts the question", or "defies explanation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "begs the question" instead of "beggars the question"?

While "begs the question" is more commonly used and widely accepted, ""beggars the question"" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing astonishment or incredulity about the situation.