core question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "core question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or important question, which is the focus of discussion or inquiry. For example: "We need to answer the core question: Is this the best approach to solving the problem?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was the core question.

The Economist

Underlying the battle is the core question of flexibility.

The New York Times

Rather, it addressed only the core question of copyrightability.

Harvard University

But they had not gotten to that core question, and Powell would not push".

The New York Times - Books

There is a core question at the heart of this referendum, which is seldom articulated.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Palestinian question is the core question of this region," he said.

The New York Times

That is the core question that everyone in the analyst community is asking".

The New York Times

Instead, however, that core question was used as a straw man.

The Guardian - Opinion

The core question now is how you federalize a diverse society under one-party control.

The New York Times

The core question is whether any military options can provide an enduring solution.

The New Yorker

A core question in cognitive science concerns how humans acquire and represent knowledge about their environments.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "core question" to emphasize the most fundamental or critical aspect of a problem, argument, or analysis, helping to guide your audience to the heart of the matter.

Common error

Avoid overusing "core question" as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "key question" or "primary question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important question or issue within a particular context. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it directs attention to the central inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "core question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that identifies the central question or issue within a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and acceptability. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, the phrase serves to focus attention on the most important inquiry, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. While "core question" is widely considered to be grammatically correct, remember to not overuse it. Consider alternating it with terms such as "key question" or "fundamental question", to avoid being repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central question

Emphasizes the centrality of the question to the matter at hand.

key question

Highlights the importance of the question as a key factor.

fundamental question

Indicates that the question is foundational and essential.

primary question

Suggests that the question is of utmost importance and comes first.

main question

Highlights that the question is the principal focus.

crucial question

Emphasizes the critical importance of the question.

essential question

Indicates that the question is indispensable.

basic question

Highlights that the question is the base to start from.

underlying question

Emphasizes that the question is the foundation of the topic.

central issue

Shifts the focus from a question to the key issue at hand.

FAQs

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

The phrase "core question" is used to highlight the most fundamental aspect of an issue. For instance, "The "core question" is whether we can afford this new policy" or "What is the "core question" that this research aims to address?".

What phrases can I use instead of "core question"?

You can use alternatives like "key question", "central question", or "fundamental question" depending on the context. These alternatives emphasize the importance of the question in a similar way.

Is it correct to say "the core question is" or "a core question is"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "The "core question" is" implies there is a single, central question. "A "core question" is" suggests that there are multiple important questions, and you are highlighting one of them.

What's the difference between "core question" and "main focus"?

"Core question" refers to the central inquiry or problem that needs to be addressed. "Main focus", on the other hand, refers to the primary area of attention or emphasis. While related, the former is about a specific question, and the latter is about a broader area of concentration.