key question

USAGE SUMMARY

"key question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an important or essential question or idea that is relevant to the topic you are discussing. For example, "What is the role of education in child development? This is a key question in this field of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's the key question".

The New York Times

The key question is timing.

The Economist

That remains the key question.

The New Yorker

The key question is, How?

The New York Times

The key question is why.

The Guardian - Sport

But the key question is: when?

The New Yorker

Here's the key question, I think.

The New York Times

And this is a key question.

Independent

But this is the key question now.

The New York Times

The key question is what happens next?

The Guardian - Business

Why it activated is another key question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a complex problem, introduce the "key question" early to provide context and direction for subsequent discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "key question" merely as a rhetorical flourish without genuinely exploring or answering the question. Ensure that you address the question thoughtfully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a central or essential inquiry. It signals the most important issue to be addressed. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse topics, confirming its role in focusing attention on critical points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key question" is a versatile and frequently used expression to emphasize the most important question in a discussion or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing, and its neutral register ensures it can be used across different levels of formality. Alternatives such as "central question" or "main question" can be used for variety, but "key question" clearly signals the critical nature of the inquiry. Use "key question" strategically to focus your audience's attention and guide your analysis effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central question

Replaces "key" with "central", emphasizing the core or main aspect of the question.

main question

Substitutes "key" with "main", focusing on the primary or most important question.

primary question

Uses "primary" instead of "key", stressing the fundamental or initial nature of the question.

fundamental question

Replaces "key" with "fundamental", highlighting the basic and essential nature of the question.

critical question

Substitutes "key" with "critical", emphasizing the importance and necessity of the question.

essential question

Uses "essential" instead of "key", highlighting the indispensable nature of the question.

pivotal question

Replaces "key" with "pivotal", stressing the turning point or crucial aspect of the question.

core question

Substitutes "key" with "core", focusing on the central or innermost aspect of the question.

crucial question

Uses "crucial" instead of "key", emphasizing the decisive or vital nature of the question.

overarching question

Replaces "key" with "overarching", focusing on the comprehensive and all-encompassing aspect of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "key question" to highlight the most important question or issue in a discussion. For example: "The "key question" is whether we can afford this project."

What can I say instead of "key question"?

You can use alternatives like "central question", "main question", or "primary question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "key question" or "main question"?

Both ""key question"" and "main question" are correct and interchangeable in many contexts. The choice depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "key question" and "important question"?

"Key question" implies that the question is essential and central to the issue, while "important question" simply indicates that the question is significant but may not be the most critical one.