inevitable question

USAGE SUMMARY

'inevitable question' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question which is expected to arise, given the circumstances. For example, "The results of the election led to an inevitable question: who will be the next president?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The inevitable question presents itself.

The Guardian

Then came an inevitable question.

The New Yorker

The inevitable question — three "Hobbit" movies?

The New York Times

Which brings up the inevitable question.

The New York Times

And so to the inevitable question.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He accepts the inevitable question equably.

The Guardian

Asked the inevitable question – Messi or Ronaldo?

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Harrell anticipated the inevitable question.

The New York Times

Kevin Faulk fielded an inevitable question about Tim Tebow.

The New York Times

This will lead to the inevitable question of God.

The Economist

There is the inevitable question of why he bothers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "inevitable question" to smoothly transition into addressing a point that readers or listeners are likely already considering. This can make your argument or explanation feel more responsive and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "inevitable question" when the question is genuinely surprising or unexpected, as this can diminish the impact of the actual inquiry and make it sound less genuine. The phrase is best reserved for situations where the query is a clear and logical consequence of the presented information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inevitable question" functions as a noun phrase, where "inevitable" modifies "question". It sets the stage for introducing a query that is logically anticipated or unavoidable, preparing the audience for a discussion point that naturally arises from the preceding information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inevitable question" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a predictable inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used in news and media to transition into addressing a query that naturally arises from the current discussion. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations where the question is genuinely foreseeable, avoiding overuse in unexpected contexts. Alternatives like "unavoidable inquiry" or "expected question" can provide nuanced variations, but the original phrase remains a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inescapable inquiry

Uses a stronger word to emphasize the impossibility of avoiding the question.

expected question

Simple substitution emphasizing anticipation rather than inevitability.

unavoidable inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal term, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the inquiry.

anticipated question

Focuses on the act of anticipating the question before it is asked.

obvious question

Focuses on how evident or self-explanatory the question is, making it hard to avoid.

foreseeable question

Highlights the predictability of the question, focusing on anticipation.

certain question

Implies that the question is bound to arise without fail.

predictable query

Similar to 'foreseeable question', but uses 'query' for a slightly more detached tone.

natural question

Suggests the question is a common, almost instinctive response to the situation.

logical question

Highlights that the question arises from a clear sequence of reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "inevitable question" to introduce a question that is predictable given the context, such as "After the company's poor performance, the "inevitable question" was whether the CEO would resign."

What's a good alternative to "inevitable question"?

Alternatives include "unavoidable inquiry", "foreseeable question", or "expected question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "inevitable question" formal or informal?

"Inevitable question" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The suitability largely depends on the surrounding language and tone.

What is the difference between "inevitable question" and "obvious question"?

While both phrases refer to questions that are easily anticipated, "inevitable question" suggests the question is unavoidable due to the circumstances, whereas "obvious question" indicates the question is evident and requires little thought.