lingering questions

USAGE SUMMARY

"lingering questions" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to questions or doubts that remain unanswered or unresolved, often for a long period of time. For example, "The investigation into the disappearance of the priceless painting came to an abrupt end, leaving many lingering questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

Those inspections were meant to satisfy lingering questions about Iran's nuclear intentions.

The New York Times

Bev Perdue's campaign flights after a local prosecutor said he had lingering questions, officials said.

The New York Times

There are lingering questions about the strategic merit and scalability of the tie-up.

The Economist

Jones, it left me with lingering questions about the depiction of the African milieu it evoked.

The New York Times

There are also lingering questions about the state of the conference.

The New York Times - Sports

That would be too simple, not layered enough with self-consciousness, rightful pride and lingering questions.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the lingering question is, what next?

The New York Times - Tech

The lingering question was his sight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lingering questions" to introduce unresolved matters or doubts after an event, decision, or explanation. For example, "Despite the detailed report, there are still "lingering questions" about the company's financial stability."

Common error

Avoid using "lingering questions" when referring to mere passing curiosities. This phrase is best suited for substantive issues that remain unresolved over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering questions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to questions or doubts that remain unanswered or unresolved. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lingering questions" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe unresolved issues or doubts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and sports contexts, with a neutral to professional register. It serves the purpose of highlighting uncertainties and prompting further investigation. When writing, it's best to use "lingering questions" to introduce unresolved matters that require attention, avoiding its use for fleeting curiosities. Alternatives like "unresolved issues" or "outstanding queries" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open questions

Emphasizes the lack of a definitive answer or conclusion.

unresolved issues

Focuses on the unresolved nature of the problems, omitting the interrogative aspect.

unanswered doubts

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of resolution surrounding the questions.

outstanding queries

Emphasizes the formal or official nature of the unanswered inquiries.

remaining uncertainties

Shifts focus to the state of uncertainty rather than the questions themselves.

pending inquiries

Stresses that the inquiries are still waiting to be addressed.

persistent concerns

Highlights the worrying nature of the unresolved issues.

unsettled matters

Broadens the scope to include issues that are not fully resolved or decided.

unresolved puzzles

Implies a more complex and mysterious nature to the unanswered matters.

enduring mysteries

Focuses on the long-lasting and enigmatic qualities of the questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "lingering questions" to refer to unresolved issues or doubts that persist after an event or explanation. For example, "The investigation closed, but "lingering questions" about the motive remain."

What are some alternatives to "lingering questions"?

Alternatives include "unresolved issues", "outstanding queries", or "unanswered doubts", depending on the specific context.

What kind of questions does "lingering questions" refer to?

"Lingering questions" typically refers to significant, unresolved issues or doubts that persist and continue to be relevant, rather than simple or easily answered inquiries.

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

Yes, "lingering questions" is suitable for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. Its usage spans across various professional and academic contexts.