lingering question

USAGE SUMMARY

"lingering question" is correct and usable in written English and it is often used in the form of a statement.
It means a question that remains unanswered or unresolved. Example sentence: After the end of the meeting, a lingering question remained unanswered.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the lingering question is, what next?

The New York Times - Tech

The lingering question was his sight.

The New Yorker

"That's the lingering question," he said.

The New York Times

That lingering question would have huge implications.

The Guardian - Sport

That lingering question of what-if?

The New York Times

The lingering question has been how exactly that happens.

Columbia University

What comes next for Hughes is a lingering question.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

If you have lingering questions, discuss them with your doctor.

Harvard University

The unit also faces lingering questions about its negotiating tactics.

The New York Times

Slowly that eases the sadness, the lingering questions, the guilt.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's guessing any lingering questions will be address after Saturday – in either direction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingering question" to introduce an uncertainty or unresolved issue after presenting background information or a series of events.

Common error

Avoid using "lingering question" for simple inquiries that can be answered immediately. This phrase is best suited for complex issues with no easy resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a point of uncertainty or an unresolved issue. It is commonly used to transition into a discussion of something that has not yet been fully addressed, as Ludwig AI demonstrates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lingering question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression in English, primarily employed to introduce unresolved issues or uncertainties. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is often used in the form of a statement. It is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, signaling the need for further consideration or investigation. While alternatives like "unresolved issue" and "open question" exist, "lingering question" specifically emphasizes the persistence and duration of the uncertainty. The best practice is to use it when introducing a complex issue after presenting relevant background information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lingering doubt

Highlights the continuing uncertainty.

open question

A simple way of referring to a question that needs to be answered.

unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of resolution rather than the questioning aspect.

persistent query

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the question.

outstanding query

Emphasizes the pending nature of the question.

unanswered inquiry

Highlights the lack of a response to the question.

remaining doubt

Highlights the uncertainty that persists.

unsettled matter

Focuses on the lack of agreement or finality.

lingering concern

Focuses on the anxiety associated with the unresolved issue.

unresolved problem

Focuses on the problematic nature of the unresolved issue.

FAQs

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

Use "lingering question" to introduce a point of uncertainty or an unresolved issue that remains after discussing a topic. For example, "Despite the progress, the "lingering question" is whether the new policy will be truly effective."

What are some alternatives to "lingering question"?

You can use alternatives such as "remaining doubt", "open question", or "unresolved issue" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "lingering question" and "open question"?

"Lingering question" implies that the question has been considered for some time and remains unresolved, whereas "open question" simply means that the question has not yet been answered or settled.

Is it appropriate to use "lingering question" in formal writing?

Yes, "lingering question" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or unresolved matters. Its use adds a layer of sophistication to the discussion.