consequential question

USAGE SUMMARY

"consequential question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a specific question which is related to the consequences of a specific event or action. For example: "What is the consequential question we must ask ourselves after seeing the latest economic figures?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yet in jointly honoring the work of Mr. Fama and Mr. Shiller, the committee also highlighted how far the economics profession remains from agreeing on the answer to a basic and consequential question: How do markets work?

The New York Times

If you care about this heated, consequential question, I encourage you to read Annan's full post, which includes a section on a kind of tribalism that takes hold in situations like this and that, he says, could affect the conclusions of the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report on the basics of greenhouse heating.

The New York Times

This marks the second of four interim findings the intelligence committee has said it will disclose before tackling the more consequential question of whether Trump and his associates colluded with Russia to influence the election's outcome, allegations the president has denied and sought to discredit.

The Washington Post

To answer that larger and more consequential question the board should focus on the founder's motivations.

Forbes

Instead, Uber wants to divert everyone's attention to a much less consequential question: Does Uber even need a permit to test self-driving taxis?

TechCrunch

If so, November could pose an even more consequential question: against whom is this anger to be directed?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is among the most consequential questions for Egypt's allies, like the United States and Israel, and for the next Egyptian president.

The New York Times

Osnos asked Stone one of the most consequential questions of the day: If Trump loses, will he accept the results?

The New Yorker

Congress would be doing the American people a service if it came together to tackle these more consequential questions, and not just the problem of air-traffic delays.

The New York Times

Congress is where many of America's most consequential questions — from the size of the defense budget to the shape of the tax code — get answered.

The Washington Post

Since 23 June it has become a host of hugely important consequential questions about access, rights and rules, all of which involve big principles and have huge economic, political and cultural implications.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consequential question" when emphasizing the significant impact or ramifications tied to finding an answer.

Common error

Avoid using "consequential question" in everyday conversation. It's better suited for formal writing and discussions where the weight of the question truly matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consequential question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'consequential' modifies the noun 'question', indicating the question is significant and has important ramifications. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is most often utilized in formal settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consequential question" is a grammatically sound and meaningful expression used to highlight the importance of a question and the potential ramifications of its answer. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is most common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signifying a neutral to formal register. When aiming to convey the weightiness of an inquiry, consider using "consequential question", but avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like ""important question"" or "significant question" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important question

Replaces 'consequential' with a more general term for significance.

significant question

Similar to 'important question', but emphasizes the notable nature of the question.

critical question

Highlights the crucial or decisive nature of the question.

key question

Focuses on the central or essential aspect of the question.

vital question

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the question.

momentous question

Highlights the far-reaching consequences of the question.

weighty question

Focuses on the seriousness and importance of the question.

far-reaching question

Emphasizes the broad impact or implications of the question.

impactful question

Highlights the potential effect or influence of the question.

pivotal question

Highlights that answering the question can be a turning point.

FAQs

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

You can use "consequential question" to emphasize the importance of a question and its potential impact. For example, "The most "important question" is whether we are prepared for the consequences."

What's the difference between "consequential question" and "important question"?

"Consequential question" emphasizes the impact and results that stem from it. "Important question" is a broader term to highlight the value of an inquiry.

What can I say instead of "consequential question"?

You can use alternatives like "significant question", "critical question", or "key question" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "consequential question" most appropriate?

"Consequential question" is best used in formal settings, such as academic papers, news articles, and business reports, where the gravity of the question needs to be emphasized.