determine the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to identify or clarify what the main question or issue is in a discussion or analysis. Example: "Before we proceed with the discussion, we need to determine the question that we are trying to answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But those declarations do not, in themselves, determine the question now presented.

Cornell University

To determine the question that best predicts radiographic evidence of non-axial osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

The meetings were ostensibly held to determine the question that will be put at a referendum and decide upon what other changes would be included.

The Guardian

And now we have to determine the question which has been already raised, whether children should be themselves taught to sing and play or not.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Congress could have accomplished as much simply by stating that there should be a hearing to determine the question of deportability.

Cornell University

And the legal concept I'm espousing (ph) is that under the law of war, Article 5 specifically of the Geneva Convention, requires the detaining authority to allow an impartial decision maker to determine the question of status.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Determine the questions that were addressed by these studies.

Yale University

Mr. Fairbank has apparently set out to determine the questions that fit his answers.

The New York Times

While data scientists need to be strong in stats, math and computer science, they also need to have a strong business acumen to determine the questions which need answers and understand how the data can inform them.

Duke University

Various sources and methods were used to determine the questions to be included in the questionnaire.

BMC Health Services Research

Once the necessary funding level is determined, the question will be whether the inputs and outputs improve to a constitutionally acceptable level.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine the question", ensure the context clearly indicates the process of identifying or defining the key question to be addressed. This sets a clear focus for discussions or analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "determine the question" when the goal is not just to identify a question, but to solve a problem or make a decision. In those cases, consider alternatives like "address the issue" or "resolve the matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the question" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of identifying, defining, or clarifying the specific question that needs to be addressed. Ludwig's examples show it is used to set the focus for discussions and investigations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine the question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that means to identify or define the specific question at hand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, including academia, news, and science, with a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "identify the issue" or "clarify the inquiry" exist, the phrase effectively sets the stage for discussions and investigations by focusing on the key question to be addressed. Remember to use it when the primary goal is to clarify the inquiry and define its boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define the query

Stresses the process of precisely stating the question.

clarify the inquiry

Emphasizes making the question clearer and more understandable.

identify the problem

Focuses on pinpointing the core issue rather than just framing a question.

decide the matter

Highlights the act of making a decision based on a question.

ascertain the matter

Highlights the act of finding something out for certain.

find the answer

Concentrates on the process of seeking and obtaining a response.

resolve the issue

Indicates finding a solution to a problem, which may involve answering a question.

establish the point

Focuses on setting the main topic or issue for discussion.

settle the debate

Implies ending a discussion by answering a key question.

uncover the truth

Emphasizes revealing facts or answers to a hidden question.

FAQs

How can I use "determine the question" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the question" to introduce the main issue that needs to be addressed. For example, "Before proceeding, we must "determine the question" that our research aims to answer".

What are some alternatives to "determine the question"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "identify the issue", "clarify the inquiry", or "define the query". Each of these alternatives emphasizes a slightly different aspect of addressing a problem or inquiry.

Which is correct, "determine the question" or "determine the answer"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Determine the question" means to identify or define the question that needs to be answered, while "determine the answer" means to find the solution to a known question.

What's the difference between "determine the question" and "address the question"?

"Determine the question" focuses on identifying or clarifying what the central question is. "Address the question", on the other hand, means to deal with or answer a question that is already known.