main question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main question" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the primary question or inquiry that a sentence is trying to address. You can use this phrase when discussing the structure of a sentence or when clarifying the overall purpose of a piece of writing. Here is an example: In this essay, the main question we will be exploring is whether technology has had a positive or negative impact on human relationships.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Main question for the Rangers?

The Guardian - Sport

Scale is really the main question here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The main question surrounds Diego Costa's fitness.

The Guardian - Sport

Our main question was 'Is this ugly?

The New Yorker

The main question remaining is the timing.

The Guardian

The main question is up front.

The Guardian - Sport

There are two main question marks.

The Guardian

But the main question is, Now what?

The New York Times

They had one main question: "Did you bring food"?

The Guardian

But the main question is aimed at the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

The main question is whether coolers will be a fad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing the "main question", provide context to highlight its relevance and significance. This helps to guide the reader and establish the importance of the ensuing discussion.

Common error

Avoid presenting supporting questions as the "main question". Ensure that the identified "main question" is the central inquiry that the entire piece addresses, not just a related subtopic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main question" functions as a noun phrase identifying the most important question. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, highlighting its role in clearly defining the central focus of a discussion or inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main question" serves as a straightforward and effective means of identifying the central point of inquiry in discussions and texts. Its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, make it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Related phrases like "central query" and "key question" offer similar meanings, while best practices emphasize its use for clarity and focus. Avoiding the confusion of supporting questions as the primary focus is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central query

Replaces 'main' with 'central', emphasizing the core aspect of the question.

key question

Substitutes 'main' with 'key', highlighting the importance of the question.

chief question

Uses 'chief' instead of 'main', retaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different nuance.

major question

Interchanges 'main' with 'major', underscoring the significance of the question.

principal inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', adding a more formal tone.

underlying question

Emphasizes that the question is not immediately obvious, implying a deeper inquiry.

overarching question

Indicates a question that encompasses many aspects or sub-questions.

primary concern

Shifts the focus from a question to a concern, indicating a problem needing resolution.

core issue

Moves away from a direct question to the underlying issue, emphasizing the problem to be solved.

fundamental problem

Highlights the foundational nature of the problem, differing from a question.

FAQs

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

You can use "main question" to introduce the central inquiry of a discussion or a piece of writing. For example, "The main question is whether this policy will improve public health."

What are some alternatives to "main question"?

You can use alternatives such as "central query", "key question", or "primary concern" depending on the context.

What makes "main question" effective in writing?

"Main question" is effective because it clearly signals the central point of inquiry, helping readers quickly understand the focus of the discussion.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the "main question"?

While explicitly stating the "main question" can provide clarity, it is not always necessary. In some cases, the context may make the central inquiry clear without explicit statement. However, clarity is always preferred to avoid ambiguity.