essence of the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essence of the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the fundamental nature or core aspect of a question being posed. Example: "To truly understand the topic, we must first grasp the essence of the question being asked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She looked at him mutely, as if not quite grasping the essence of the question.

The New Yorker

The essence of the question is not the pros and cons of capital punishment, but the pros and cons of federalism.

The New York Times

Christie again stepped in to note that Rubio had not answered the essence of the question – over whether he had shown effective leadership on the issue of immigration.

The Guardian

"Because it got to the essence of the question, which is: 'Where are we in the history of cancer and how did we get here'?" Finalists:"The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brain," by Nicholas Carr (W.W. Norton & Company); "Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History," by S.C. Gwynne (Scribner).

The New York Times

Other parts simply did not understand the essence of the question.

Huffington Post

Once it wanders too far away from the essence of the question, pull yourself back in and redirect and refocus your writing to the origin of the question.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

On the referendum, Unasur issued a declaration at its meeting in Peru last November that the referendum "in no way alters the essence of the Falklands question, and its result will not put an end to the dispute over sovereignty".

BBC

But time is of the essence: the question of what the Electoral College should do has a clock ticking loudly on it.

Huffington Post

What he wanted to do, he says, was to get to the essence of the thing in question.

The New Yorker

That meant topologists could, in their fashion, cut them off, and allow the Ricci process to continue to its end, revealing the topologically spherical essence of the space in question, and thus proving the conjectures of both Poincaré and Thurston.

The New York Times - Science

Over 25 stories he reduces his characters' lives to these snapshots; a freeze-frame suspended image of a moment that distils the essence of the life in question, reduces it to something small and, to an unknowing observer, seemingly inconsequential.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "essence of the question" to refocus a discussion that has become muddled or strayed from its central theme, bringing clarity and direction back to the conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "essence of the question" when addressing intricate or multifaceted aspects of a topic. This phrase is best suited for highlighting the core, not the complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essence of the question" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the fundamental nature or the most crucial aspect of a question, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "essence of the question" is a noun phrase used to denote the most fundamental aspect of an inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable, though relatively uncommon. Its primary function is to highlight the core issue in discussions, and it maintains a neutral to formal register. While prevalent in news and media, it's also found in scientific contexts. For alternatives, consider "core of the matter" or "crux of the issue" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Core of the matter

Emphasizes the central and most important aspect of the topic.

Heart of the problem

Focuses on the fundamental issue at hand.

Crux of the issue

Highlights the most decisive or critical point.

Gist of the query

Refers to the main point or essence of the inquiry.

Central point of inquiry

Directly indicates the key focus of the investigation.

Fundamental aspect of the question

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the question.

Main thrust of the question

Highlights the primary direction or force of the question.

Underlying principle of the question

Focuses on the foundational concept upon which the question is based.

Key to understanding the question

Highlights the key that unlocks comprehension of the question.

The nub of the question

Emphasizes the central point or heart of the matter, which is concise and to the point.

FAQs

What does "essence of the question" mean?

The phrase "essence of the question" refers to the most important and basic part of a question, which you must understand to answer it correctly.

How can I use "essence of the question" in a sentence?

You might use it when someone is missing the point of a discussion, saying, "Let's get back to the "essence of the question" here."

What's the difference between "core of the question" and "essence of the question"?

While similar, "core of the question" emphasizes the central, factual part, whereas "essence of the question" can also imply understanding the underlying meaning or significance.

Are there more formal alternatives to "essence of the question"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you could use "fundamental aspect of the inquiry" or "crux of the matter" for a more sophisticated tone.