burning question for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burning question for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a pressing or urgent question that needs to be addressed or answered, often in discussions or debates. Example: "The burning question for many scientists is whether climate change can be reversed in our lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"The one burning question for everybody is, who will be the guys who go with us?

The Guardian - Sport

I HAVE a burning question for those clueless, self-absorbed troglodytes who honk their horns in residential neighborhoods.

The New York Times

The question of the Sudeten Germans, expelled from Czechoslovakia after the second world war, remains a burning question for Czechs.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the burning question for this dour and brutally efficient Danish punk band is whether that momentum could possibly be sustained.

The New York Times - Arts

With three Golden Dawn MEPs now about to take seats in Brussels, the burning question for many is how to confront the extremists.

The Guardian

That's the burning question for the small California advocacy group Invisible Children and its follow-up effort, "Kony 2012 Part II".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

These are burning questions for the people of Tentmakers Street, a cramped and dim thoroughfare in the old heart of this old city where a government preservation project is tearing up the foundations of the buildings and, for many, a way of life.

The New York Times

Do you have any burning questions for Nokia?

TechCrunch

The Leeds audience was a cross-section of voters, selected by an independent marketing company and it was clear they had burning questions for all the politicians.

BBC

Essentially, this is a fairly lively T-Mobile forum that answered some burning questions for some of our readers, so let's all go over and wish them the best of luck.

TechCrunch

At its last public hearing — which was held in the form of a grand committee comprising representatives from nine international parliaments, all with burning questions for Facebook — the company sent its policy VP, Richard Allan, leaving an empty chair where Zuckerberg's bum should be.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burning question for" to introduce a central issue that demands immediate attention or resolution. This phrase is particularly effective when framing debates or discussions where the stakes are high.

Common error

Avoid using "burning question for" in casual conversations or light-hearted discussions. The intensity of the phrase may seem out of place and detract from the overall tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burning question for" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or appositive, introducing a key issue of immediate concern. As Ludwig AI indicates, the structure is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "burning question for" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the significance and urgency of a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a serious tone is appropriate, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "pressing question for" or "critical question for" can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register will enhance your ability to use this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing question for

Substitutes "burning" with "pressing", suggesting urgency without the intensity of "burning".

critical question for

Replaces "burning" with "critical", emphasizing the importance of the question's impact.

central question for

Focuses on the question's role as the core issue, rather than its urgency.

key question for

Highlights the significance of the question as a vital element in understanding a situation.

primary concern for

Shifts the focus from a question to a concern, highlighting the worry or anxiety surrounding an issue.

major issue for

Replaces "question" with "issue", broadening the scope to encompass a problem or challenge.

fundamental problem for

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the problem, suggesting it underlies other issues.

urgent matter for

Replaces "question" with "matter", conveying a sense of immediate importance.

core dilemma for

Substitutes "question" with "dilemma", implying a difficult choice or situation.

prevailing question for

Indicates that the question is currently dominant or widespread.

FAQs

How can I use "burning question for" in a sentence?

Use "burning question for" to introduce a significant issue or problem that needs immediate attention. For example, "The "burning question for" educators is how to effectively integrate technology into the classroom."

What are some alternatives to "burning question for"?

Alternatives include "pressing question for", "critical question for", or "key question for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different emphasis on the importance or urgency of the issue.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "burning question for"?

It's appropriate to use "burning question for" when addressing a central problem or issue that demands immediate attention and has significant implications. It is most effective in formal debates, discussions, or articles.

Is "burning question for" too dramatic for casual conversations?

While grammatically correct, "burning question for" can sound overly dramatic in casual settings. Consider using less intense alternatives like "main question" or "key issue" to maintain a more relaxed tone.