it begs the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"it begs the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express when something leads to speculation or an unanswered question. For example, "Her decision to quit without notice begs the question of what motivated her to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It begs the question, Why?

The New York Times

But again, it begs the question.

The Economist

Well, it begs the question.

The Washington Post

"It begs the question, who is responsible?

The New York Times

It begs the question: did he forget to mention it?

Independent

It begs the question, who are we here to represent?

The New York Times

It begs the question of what he would do next.

The New York Times

It begs the question, what's the alternative to the alternative?

Independent

"It begs the question: how good is Joe Flacco?

The New York Times - Sports

But it begs the question posed by Puzzle #2.

The Washington Post

It begs the question: how did he manage it?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "it begs the question" when you actually mean "it raises the question". The phrase "begging the question" is a logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premise.

Common error

Be careful not to misuse "it begs the question" as a substitute for "it raises the question". "Begging the question" is a logical fallacy where the argument assumes the conclusion it's trying to prove. If you simply mean to introduce a question, use phrases like "it raises the question" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it begs the question" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a question that arises logically from a preceding statement or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used. It can also highlight a potential flaw in reasoning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it begs the question" is a commonly used phrase that introduces a question logically arising from a previous statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and effective for prompting inquiry. While it is often used interchangeably with "it raises the question", it's crucial to avoid using "it begs the question" to describe simple inquiries. As highlighted in the Writing Guidance, a frequent error is confusing it with the logical fallacy of 'begging the question'. Alternative phrases such as "it raises the question" or "it prompts the question" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by Academic and Scientific sources. Thus, understanding the proper nuance and context is key to using "it begs the question" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it raises the question

Changes 'begs' to 'raises', focusing on the act of bringing a question to attention rather than assuming the question is already there.

it invites the question

Substitutes 'begs' with 'invites', suggesting that the situation naturally leads someone to ask the question.

it prompts the question

Replaces 'begs' with 'prompts', indicating the situation directly causes one to ask the question.

it leads one to ask

This phrase is more descriptive, explicitly stating that the situation directs someone to inquire.

this gives rise to the question

Uses 'gives rise to' instead of 'begs', highlighting that the situation is the origin of the question.

the obvious question is

More direct and less subtle than "it begs the question", directly stating what question comes to mind.

one might ask

This is a softer, more tentative way of introducing a question that arises from a situation.

this naturally raises the issue of

More formal, replacing 'question' with 'issue', suitable when the point is more complex than a simple question.

what remains to be answered is

Focuses on the lack of an answer, emphasizing that the question is still open.

this forces us to consider

Stronger phrasing that 'begs the question', suggesting that there is no avoiding the question.

FAQs

How can I use "it begs the question" in a sentence?

Use "it begs the question" when a statement or situation prompts a specific, often obvious, question. For example, "The company's sudden expansion into a new market begs the question: do they have sufficient resources?"

What is a common mistake to avoid when using "it begs the question"?

A common mistake is using "it begs the question" when you simply mean "it raises the question". "Begging the question" is a logical fallacy, not just a way to introduce a question. Ensure you're using it in the correct context or choose a different phrase.

What can I say instead of "it begs the question"?

You can use alternatives like "it raises the question", "it prompts the question", or "it invites the question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it begs the question" or "it raises the question"?

"It begs the question" is correct when used to indicate a logical fallacy or to point out an assumption inherent in an argument. If you intend to simply introduce a question, "it raises the question" is more appropriate.