imperative question

USAGE SUMMARY

"imperative question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a question that is asked in a forceful, direct way that expects an immediate answer. For example, "What is the answer to this imperative question?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A less imperative question, but one that needs answering, is this: Can the Giants' offense score some touchdowns?

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, the more imperative question is: Is the way in which Israel exists — as an occupier, a colonizer, and ultimately, as an apartheid state — right?

The New Yorker

Rather, the more imperative question is: Is the way in which Israel exists as an occupier, a colonizer, and ultimately, as an apartheid state right?

The New Yorker

We talked about how a religious childhood imbues you with an unshakable concern with right and wrong, "the idea of an imperative question that you have to ask yourself constantly".

The New Yorker

Asking ourselves to whom is addressed development and with which resources it can be realized is an imperative question.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Had Obama made these claims, he would have led the G20 in aligning economic and fiscal policy with this 21st century demographics, and he would have led the G20 in seeking to answer an imperative question: How can the swelling over-60 demographic turn from dependent to economically active and productive?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Future studies using more powerful statistical analyses with larger sample sizes are needed to establish these imperative questions.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Imperative questions, and often declarative questions, generally use structures such as "List", "Print", and "Return" that is a selection query in its simplest form.

BMC Genomics

But most of all, he believed it imperative to question authority, and those who failed that lesson did so at their peril.

The New York Times

"One comprised the suspicious circles, which had once been small, but now were exceptionally broad, who considered the self-evident lesson of the 1960s and the low, dishonest war that defined the decade to be the imperative to question authority, unsettle ossified norms, and expose dissembling leaders — a new, higher patriotism for the 1970s".

The New Yorker

"One comprised the suspicious circles, which had once been small, but now were exceptionally broad, who considered the self-evident lesson of the 1960s and the low, dishonest war that defined the decade to be the imperative to question authority, unsettle ossified norms, and expose dissembling leaders—a new, higher patriotism for the 1970s".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imperative question" when you want to emphasize the urgency or critical importance of the question being posed. It suggests that the question requires immediate attention and a well-considered response.

Common error

Avoid using "imperative question" simply as a synonym for "important question". "Imperative" suggests a higher degree of urgency and necessity. Use it when the question directly impacts a critical decision or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imperative question" functions as a noun phrase where "imperative" modifies the noun "question", emphasizing its critical and urgent nature. It highlights the significance of the inquiry, demanding immediate attention and a thoughtful response as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "imperative question" is used to emphasize the critical and urgent nature of a question. It signifies that the question demands immediate attention and a thoughtful response due to its significant implications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Though not very common, it is used in a variety of contexts, including News & Media and Science. Consider alternatives such as "essential question" or "crucial question" for similar emphasis. Use "imperative question" when you want to convey the necessity of a timely and well-considered answer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential question

Emphasizes the fundamental importance of the question.

crucial question

Highlights the critical nature of the question and its potential impact.

vital question

Stresses the question's importance for survival or success.

pressing question

Indicates the urgency and immediate relevance of the question.

urgent question

Focuses on the need for a prompt answer or resolution.

paramount question

Indicates the question is of the highest importance.

indispensable question

Highlights the question's essential nature and irreplaceability.

inescapable question

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the question.

fundamental question

Stresses the basic and underlying nature of the question.

critical inquiry

Uses a more formal tone to describe the question.

FAQs

What does "imperative question" mean?

An "imperative question" is a question that needs to be addressed urgently and is of the utmost importance. It requires immediate attention and a well-considered response because it usually pertains to a critical situation or decision.

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

You can use "imperative question" when you want to highlight the urgency and importance of a question. For example: "The "imperative question" now is how to allocate resources effectively during this crisis." Another example: "An "imperative question" for the board is how to regain investor confidence after this scandal."

What are some alternatives to "imperative question"?

Alternatives to "imperative question" include "essential question", "crucial question", "vital question", or "pressing question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "imperative question"?

It is appropriate to use "imperative question" when the question's answer directly affects critical decisions or outcomes and demands immediate attention. It emphasizes the gravity of the situation and calls for careful consideration.