it posed the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it posed the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a topic or situation that raises an inquiry or prompts further thought. Example: "The recent study on climate change posed the question of how we can effectively reduce carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It posed the question: what would you do if you could go back and do it all again?

The Guardian

At a symposium it posed the question: "Will we see another Zimbabwe in Malawi?" Bingu bridled at the suggestion of creeping tyranny.

The Guardian

For Lutherans the concurrent existence of both Lutheran churches and churches of the Prussian Union in the federation was highly problematic, since it posed the question of the federation's theological viability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It posed the question why one type of motors (Kinesin-1) moves in a stepwise fashion, the other one (NcKin3) does not, and which parts of the molecules provide the functionality of stepping and coupled kinetic cycles.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And like a good novel, it poses the question: what happened next?

The Economist

It poses the question, "Can you read this?" The letters of the chart say: "Have diarrhea?

The New York Times - Health

It poses the question: if there's already a Superman, do we really need a Supergirl?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It poses the question that a liberal society does not want to confront.

The Guardian - Opinion

It poses the question, for example, of the extent to which all thinking can be carried out mechanically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it poses the question: Does Robert Redford's kid really have to be living in a one-bedroom apartment?

The New York Times

It poses the question: how do we feel about Iraqis right now?" But "Lost" could hardly be confused with "20/20".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it posed the question", ensure that the subsequent question is clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The data analysis it posed the question: Is there a correlation between the two variables?"

Common error

Avoid using "it posed the question" when the situation simply raised awareness without necessarily prompting a specific question. Instead, use phrases like "it highlighted the issue" or "it drew attention to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it posed the question" functions as an introductory expression to highlight that a specific issue or situation has prompted a particular question. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is often used to introduce a central inquiry within a discussion or analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it posed the question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to introduce a key question prompted by a situation, study, or event. While Ludwig AI indicates that its frequency is rare, this phrase appears in reputable sources such as The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica. Alternative expressions like "it raised the question" or "it prompted the inquiry" can be used, and users should ensure clarity by explicitly stating the question following the introductory phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it raised the query

Replaces "question" with "query", maintaining the original structure but with a slightly different word choice.

it prompted the inquiry

Uses "prompted" instead of "posed" and "inquiry" instead of "question", altering the vocabulary while preserving the meaning.

it instigated the debate

Replaces "posed the question" with "instigated the debate", shifting the focus to the initiation of a discussion.

it sparked the consideration

Uses "sparked the consideration" instead of "posed the question", implying the beginning of a thought process.

it gave rise to the issue

Changes the structure to "gave rise to the issue", focusing on the emergence of the problem.

it begged the question

Uses the idiom "begged the question", meaning it assumed the conclusion in the premise, which is subtly different.

it led to the interrogation

Replaces "question" with "interrogation", suggesting a more formal and intensive inquiry.

it introduced the subject

Uses "introduced the subject", which is a more general way of saying a question was raised.

it broached the topic

Replaces "posed the question" with "broached the topic", focusing on introducing a subject for discussion.

it set the stage for the question

Focuses on preparing for the question rather than directly asking it.

FAQs

What does "it posed the question" mean?

The phrase "it posed the question" means that a certain situation, study, or event brought a particular question or issue to attention, prompting further thought or discussion.

How can I rephrase "it posed the question"?

Alternatives include "it raised the question", "it prompted the inquiry", or "it "instigated the debate" depending on the specific context.

Is "it posed the question" formal or informal?

The phrase "it posed the question" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more formal alternatives like "it raised the issue" might be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "it posed the question" and "it begged the question"?

"It posed the question" means something prompted a question, while "it begged the question" is an informal fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premise.