big question

USAGE SUMMARY

"big question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult or important question. For example, "What should I do with my life is a big question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big question.

The New Yorker

"It's the Big Question".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a big question.

The New York Times

That's a big question.

Forbes

That's the big question.

The New York Times

That is the big question.

The New York Times

One big question is why.

The New York Times

This is the BIG question".

The New York Times - Science

The big question is price.

The New York Times

Ah, that's the big question.

The New Yorker

"It's a big question mark.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big question", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and significance of the issue being addressed. This helps to engage the audience and highlight the importance of the topic.

Common error

While "big question" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "main issue" or "key point" would be more appropriate. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your communication sound less natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big question" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a significant and often complex issue that needs addressing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a wide array of contexts, highlighting its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big question" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce significant and complex issues. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While suitable for many situations, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Related phrases like "key issue" or "major concern" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. Remembering these usage tips will help you effectively incorporate "big question" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key issue

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the question as a central element in a situation.

critical matter

This alternative stresses the urgency and importance of the question.

burning question

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and widespread interest in the question.

pressing issue

This phrase conveys a sense of urgency and the need for immediate attention.

major concern

This alternative shifts the focus to the anxiety or worry associated with the question.

main dilemma

This phrase suggests a difficult choice or situation presented by the question.

primary challenge

This alternative focuses on the difficulty and effort required to address the question.

central problem

This phrase highlights the problematic nature of the question and its potential impact.

fundamental inquiry

This phrase suggests a deeper, more philosophical aspect to the question.

significant inquiry

This emphasizes the relevance of the question, in formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "big question" in a sentence?

You can use "big question" to introduce a significant or challenging issue. For example, "The "big question" is how we can address climate change effectively".

What are some alternatives to "big question"?

Alternatives to "big question" include "key issue", "major concern", or "central problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "that's a big question"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "that's a "big question"". This phrase is commonly used to acknowledge the complexity or importance of a question that has been raised.

What makes a question a "big question"?

A "big question" is typically one that is complex, significant, and often lacks a straightforward answer. It usually involves important implications and requires deep thought or extensive analysis.