long-standing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long-standing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question or issue that has existed for a significant amount of time and remains unresolved or debated. Example: "The long-standing question of whether climate change is primarily caused by human activity continues to spark debate among scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With Halak, the Islanders answered a long-standing question between the pipes.

The Guardian - Sport

This answers a long-standing question in the theory.

Journal of Functional Analysis

How the first axis is initiated in the early embryo is a long-standing question.

Developmental Biology

A long-standing question is when the ancestral populations of Neandertals and modern humans diverged.

Science Magazine

A long-standing question in biology is how evolution tinkers with genes without mucking things up.

Science Magazine

"A long-standing question is how these epigenetic modifiers find the place to go," she says.

Science Magazine

"This is a long-standing question that has not been answered to our full satisfaction".

Science Magazine

This study aims to answer the long-standing question of how residual stress and the white layer affect RCF.

International Journal of Fatigue

A long-standing question in Earth Sciences is related to the importance of inheritance in controlling tectonic processes.

Gondwana Research

However, there has been a long-standing question on whether interface-affected-zone (IAZ) exists, and how it might behave.

Materials Today

How zygotic gene products instruct the degradation of maternal messages remains a long-standing question in biology.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and formal writing, "long-standing question" can effectively introduce a problem or debate that has been a focus of study or discussion for an extended period. It helps set the stage for your analysis or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "long-standing question" for recently emerged issues or topics that have not been significantly debated or studied over time. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long-standing question" functions as a noun phrase, where "long-standing" is an adjective modifying the noun "question". It typically serves to introduce a subject that has been under discussion or investigation for a considerable duration. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showcasing its prevalence across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long-standing question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively introduces inquiries that have persisted over time, especially in scientific, academic, and formal contexts. The phrase's formal register and consistent usage make it a valuable tool for highlighting the significance and duration of an issue. Ludwig AI’s analysis, combined with the practical writing guidance, ensures that users can employ this phrase accurately and effectively, avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enduring question

Replaces "long-standing" with "enduring", emphasizing the lasting nature of the question.

persistent question

Substitutes "long-standing" with "persistent", highlighting the continuous relevance of the question.

long-term question

Uses "long-term" instead of "long-standing", focusing on the duration over which the question has been relevant.

age-old question

Replaces "long-standing" with "age-old", indicating that the question has existed for a very long time.

perennial question

Uses "perennial" to emphasize the recurring nature of the question.

long-running question

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the question, focusing on its continuation over time.

historical question

Highlights the question's significance in history and its long-term presence.

established question

Focuses on the question being well-recognized and firmly in place over time.

protracted question

Suggests that the question has been debated or considered for a prolonged period.

abiding question

Emphasizes the lasting and constant nature of the question.

FAQs

How can I use "long-standing question" in a sentence?

You can use "long-standing question" to introduce a topic that has been debated or researched for a considerable time. For example, "A long-standing question in biology is how evolution tinkers with genes without mucking things up."

What phrases are similar to "long-standing question"?

Alternatives include "enduring question", "persistent question", or "long-term question". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it appropriate to use "long-standing question" in informal writing?

While "long-standing question" is suitable for formal contexts, it might sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler phrases like "old question" or "ongoing issue" in informal settings.

What is the difference between "long-standing question" and "long-standing problem"?

A "long-standing question" refers to an unresolved inquiry or debate, while a "long-standing problem" refers to a persistent issue or difficulty. The former focuses on a lack of knowledge, while the latter focuses on a persistent challenge.