critical question

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English that is used to refer to a question that is thought-provoking and requires deep consideration for an answer.
For example, "What is the purpose of life?" is a critical question.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The critical question is, Why?

The New York Times - Sports

That is a critical question.

The Guardian - Business

"The critical question is accountability.

The Guardian

It is the critical question.

The Guardian - Opinion

The discovery raised a critical question, however.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And that was the critical question.

The New York Times

The critical question was, how to play?

Harvard Business Review

But the critical question is the cause of the outbreak.

The New York Times

The critical question is whether there is hope for progress.

The New Yorker

Nicholas D. Kristof leaves a critical question unasked.

The New York Times

Which brings up the critical question: What were they thinking?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "critical question", ensure that the question genuinely warrants careful consideration and has significant implications for the topic at hand. Avoid overusing it for trivial inquiries.

Common error

Avoid labeling a question as a "critical question" if it's a simple or easily answered query. Reserve the phrase for issues that require deep thought and analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical question" functions as a noun phrase, with "critical" modifying the noun "question". It is used to highlight the importance of a specific inquiry, indicating that it's essential to consider for understanding or resolving a situation. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the importance of a particular inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used to draw attention to issues requiring deep consideration. It appears most commonly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the question truly deserves the weight it implies. Consider alternatives like "key question" or "essential question" if a lighter emphasis is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key question

Emphasizes the importance of the question, similar to "critical question".

crucial question

Indicates that the question is decisive and has a significant impact.

essential question

Highlights the necessity of the question, conveying a sense of importance.

important question

A more general way to express the significance of a question.

central question

Indicates that the question is at the core of the issue.

fundamental question

Implies the question is foundational and essential for understanding.

significant question

A broad term to indicate the importance and relevance of the question.

vital question

Stresses the urgency and importance of the question.

pressing question

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate attention to the question.

burning question

Suggests a question that demands an answer due to its significance and interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical question" to introduce a pivotal inquiry that needs addressing, such as, "The "critical question" is whether we have enough resources to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to "critical question"?

Consider using alternatives like "key question", "essential question", or "central question" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes a question "critical"?

A question is considered "critical" when its answer significantly impacts the outcome, understanding, or resolution of a situation or problem. It often involves deeper analysis and has far-reaching consequences.

Is it appropriate to use "critical question" in informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal contexts, "critical question" can also be used informally if the situation genuinely calls for a serious and impactful inquiry. However, simpler alternatives might be preferable in very casual settings.