lurking question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lurking question" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "There was a lurking question in the back of my mind about whether the project was worth undertaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Which leads to a lurking question: what if the drops falling outdoors aren't just lemon drops and gum drops?

The New York Times - Arts

All of which sounds fair, but doesn't entirely answer a lurking question: what is Hampstead actually for?

The Guardian

For parents, the scariest thing about Halloween is the lurking question: When kids choose their Halloween costumes, are they choosing their alter egos — or revealing their true selves?

The New York Times - Books

The lurking question for Clinton, through the long span of the election, has been how to respond to the people who feel left out of the globalized market that the Clintons helped design, and whose frustrations fired both Sanders's movement and Trump's.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

While grappling with the possibility of losing a close relative, Hannah also faces pressure from her mother to pretend she is engaged to Adam, which brings up some lurking questions in their relationship.

Huffington Post

But behind that facade of success lurk questions that are not getting any easier as he seems to near the end.

The New York Times

But behind that question about location lurks a question about causality: What happened to it?

The New Yorker

Yet over both entertainments lurked the question of motive.

The Guardian - Books

Behind the argument whether war is the answer lurks the question what goals one has in the Middle East.

The New York Times

But there's also a gritty question lurking here.

The Guardian

Hence the dangerous (for liberals) question lurking beneath the surface of the Akin controversy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lurking question" when you want to emphasize that a question is present but not immediately obvious or openly discussed, often implying a sense of unease or potential trouble.

Common error

While "lurking question" is acceptable, reserve its use for more formal or serious contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "underlying question" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lurking question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "lurking" modifies the noun "question". It describes a question that is present but not immediately obvious or openly addressed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lurking question" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to describe a question that is present but not immediately obvious or openly discussed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for analytical or critical contexts, particularly in News & Media. While not frequently used (classified as Rare), it effectively highlights underlying concerns or unspoken issues. Remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. The "aiResponseStatus" from Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underlying question

Focuses on the question being fundamental but not immediately obvious.

unspoken question

Emphasizes that the question is not explicitly voiced or addressed.

hidden question

Highlights the question being concealed or not readily apparent.

implicit question

Suggests the question is implied rather than directly stated.

lingering question

Indicates that the question persists and remains unresolved.

nagging question

Suggests the question is persistently bothering or worrying someone.

burning question

Highlights the question being urgent or of great importance.

pressing question

Emphasizes the question requiring immediate attention or resolution.

unanswered question

Focuses on the question lacking a response or resolution.

central question

Highlights that the question is of core importance to the issue at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "lurking question" to describe a question that is present but not openly discussed or immediately apparent. For instance, "The "underlying question" was whether the company could survive the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "lurking question"?

Alternatives include "underlying question", "unspoken question", or "hidden question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lurking question" a formal or informal phrase?

"Lurking question" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for analytical or serious discussions. Simpler terms may be more appropriate in casual settings.

What is the difference between "lurking question" and "obvious question"?

"Lurking question" implies a question that is not immediately apparent or openly discussed, while "obvious question" refers to a question that is easily recognized or expected.