eternal question

USAGE SUMMARY

"eternal question" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a question or issue that has been pondered over and debated for a long time, with no definitive answer or resolution. It can be used in various contexts, such as philosophy, religion, or everyday life. Example: The existence of God has been an eternal question that has fascinated philosophers and theologians for centuries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WHAT THEY TALKED ABOUT The eternal question.

The New York Times

"That's the eternal question," Mr. Minchew said.

The New York Times

Anyway, this is an eternal question with the Giants.

The New York Times

It is the eternal question with start-ups.

The New York Times

"So, the eternal question — how was school?" "Fine," Maude said.

The New Yorker

And then, of course, there's the eternal question: "Is iTunes doing too much?" Sometimes, there's synergy.

The New York Times

Looking at faith is just one way of considering that eternal question.

The New Yorker

The eternal question in journalism is: Who's your audience — the person interviewed, or the viewer?

The New Yorker

All right, that last question isn't so much an eternal question as an annual one.

The New York Times - Tech

Charlotte Hornets (13) The eternal question in the Eastern Conference: how real are the Hornets?

The Guardian - Sport

The eternal question is whether it is his left foot or the right one.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully; "eternal question" is most effective when the lack of resolution is a key part of the discussion. Avoid using it for questions that have straightforward answers or are simply difficult to solve.

Common error

Avoid using "eternal question" for every question that lacks a simple answer. Reserve it for those deeply rooted, philosophical inquiries or issues that have defied resolution across generations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eternal question" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence, identifying a question that is enduring and unresolved, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eternal question" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a long-standing, unresolved inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for questions that genuinely reflect enduring and fundamental debates, rather than simply any question lacking an immediate answer. Considering alternatives such as "perennial question" or "enduring question" can also refine the expression of your idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perennial question

Replaces "eternal" with "perennial", emphasizing the recurring nature of the question.

enduring question

Substitutes "eternal" with "enduring", highlighting the lasting relevance of the question.

abiding question

Similar to "enduring question", focusing on the continuous presence of the question.

fundamental question

Shifts the focus to the foundational importance of the question.

classic question

Highlights the traditional and long-established nature of the question.

unresolved question

Emphasizes that the question remains without a definitive answer.

lingering question

Suggests that the question persists and remains in consideration.

age-old question

Similar to classic question but more informal and colloquial

unanswered question

Focuses on the lack of a solution or response to the question.

persistent question

Stresses the continuous asking or consideration of the question.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "eternal question" in a sentence?

The phrase "eternal question" is used to describe a question that has been debated for a long time without a definitive answer. For instance, "The relationship between nature and nurture is an "eternal question" in psychology."

What's a good alternative to the phrase "eternal question"?

Alternatives include "perennial question", "enduring question", or "fundamental question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "eternal question" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing philosophical or historical issues. Its formality level is generally neutral, making it acceptable in various academic and professional contexts.

What makes a question qualify as an "eternal question"?

An "eternal question" is one that has been pondered for a significant period, often across multiple generations or eras, without a clear or universally accepted answer. It typically addresses fundamental aspects of human existence or the universe.