defining question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is central to understanding a topic or issue. Example: "The defining question of our research is how climate change impacts biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

As Seton tells me in his Newtown studio: "This is a defining question asked of our generation.

The Guardian - Arts

It is the defining question of the immigrant, one that echoes through the memory of this city.

The New York Times

It's the defining question for college students — and the cliché that's launched a thousand friendships and romances.

The New York Times

However, for a non-trivial 5% of all voters, fears about the price that smaller parties could extract in a hung parliament is now the election's defining question.

The Guardian

As a result, she was never sure of her party: "Is he one of us?" became the defining question of the next 11 years.

The Guardian

A defining question arises that goes beyond the fabric to the people: will the new surburbanites change or be changed by their new surroundings?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

As an interviewer, Mr. Pena knows how to ask a sharply defined question -- about the influence of Australian directors on Ms. Campion or her method of working with cinematographers -- then get out of her way.

The New York Times - Arts

A clearly defined question is a necessary requirement for a good experimental design.

Data Handling in Science and Technology

Questions that are asked to elicit information are associated with the more prototypical, lexico-morpho-syntactically defined question type such as polar interrogatives and, mainly, content questions.

Journal of Pragmatics

Using defined question templates, we are able to replace the placeholder X by nouns and noun phrases extracted from a discussion topic.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

We were aware of this problem and tried to define question templates which should be general enough for several discussion domains.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defining question", ensure the question genuinely encapsulates the core issue or challenge being addressed. Frame the question clearly to highlight its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "defining question" for questions that are merely relevant or important, but not truly fundamental to understanding the subject. Reserve it for inquiries that shape the entire perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "defining" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "question". It signifies a question that is crucial or fundamental in understanding a particular subject, as seen in Ludwig's examples from news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defining question" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the central importance of a particular inquiry. As Ludwig AI verifies, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific publications, to highlight critical issues. When using "defining question", ensure it genuinely represents the core of the subject. Alternatives like ""key question"" or "central question" can be used for subtle variations in emphasis. Avoid overstating a question's significance, and reserve "defining question" for inquiries that fundamentally shape understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key question

Replaces "defining" with "key", focusing on the question's importance.

central question

Substitutes "defining" with "central", emphasizing the question's core relevance.

pivotal question

Replaces "defining" with "pivotal", highlighting the question's turning-point nature.

crucial question

Substitutes "defining" with "crucial", indicating the question's critical importance.

fundamental question

Replaces "defining" with "fundamental", stressing the question's foundational role.

essential question

Substitutes "defining" with "essential", emphasizing the question's necessity.

core question

Replaces "defining" with "core", focusing on the question's central essence.

primary question

Substitutes "defining" with "primary", emphasizing the question's main focus.

main question

Replaces "defining" with "main", indicating the question's primary importance.

critical question

Substitutes "defining" with "critical", highlighting the question's significant impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "defining question" to introduce a central inquiry that helps to understand a particular topic or issue. For example: "The "key question" of the research is how climate change will affect global migration patterns."

What's a good alternative to "defining question"?

Alternatives include ""key question"", "central question", or "pivotal question", depending on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "defining question" in formal writing?

Yes, "defining question" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing critical issues in academic or professional contexts. However, ensure that the question genuinely holds significant importance.

What makes a question a "defining question"?

A "defining question" is one that is fundamental to understanding or resolving a particular issue. It shapes the discussion and provides a critical framework for analysis. It's not just any important question, but one that truly defines the subject matter.