fundamental question

USAGE SUMMARY

"fundamental question" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to refer to a question which is important and necessary for further understanding of a topic or discussion. For example: "What is the fundamental question we must answer to better understand this issue?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's a fundamental question.

The New York Times

One fundamental question is about coordination.

The New York Times

"That is the fundamental question".

The New York Times

It doesn't answer the fundamental question.

The Guardian - Arts

"Why we sleep is a fundamental question.

The Guardian

"Our country faces a fundamental question.

The Guardian

Szwed circles evasively around this fundamental question.

The New York Times - Books

It's the fundamental question of modern art.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Fundamental questions remain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two fundamental questions have been in play.

The Economist

* Fundamental questions still thwart researchers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When posing a "fundamental question", ensure it's clear, concise, and directly relevant to the core issue.

Common error

Avoid starting every discussion with "fundamental question". Instead, vary your language and use other phrases like "core issue" or "key concern" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental question" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a core inquiry that needs to be addressed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamental question" is a frequently used and grammatically correct noun phrase that introduces a core inquiry across various domains. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for general usage and effective for identifying a critical question that is essential for understanding a topic, problem, or situation. Its prevalence in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications highlights its suitability for formal and analytical contexts. Related phrases such as "essential question" and "core question" can be used for variation. Be mindful of overuse to maintain writing engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential question

Highlights the necessity and importance of the inquiry.

crucial question

Indicates that the question is critical and vital for progress.

key question

Emphasizes the importance of the question in unlocking understanding.

foundational question

Similar to "basic question" but emphasizes the role in building a framework.

core question

Focuses on the most central aspect of the issue.

basic question

Underlines the foundational nature of the inquiry.

underlying question

Focuses on the implicit question behind the surface issues.

central issue

Shifts from a question to the key problem or point of contention.

main issue

Similar to "central issue" but slightly broader in scope.

primary concern

Highlights the main worry or focus of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental question" to introduce a critical inquiry. For example: "The "fundamental question" is, how do we address climate change effectively?"

What are some alternatives to "fundamental question"?

Alternatives include "core question", "essential question", or "key question", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "fundamental question" is suitable for formal writing, especially when introducing a key issue that requires exploration. However, consider alternatives like "central issue" for variety.

What makes a question "fundamental"?

A question is considered "fundamental" when it addresses a core principle or assumption upon which further reasoning or analysis depends. Addressing this question is crucial for resolving related issues.