major outstanding question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major outstanding question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a major question that has yet to be answered. For example: "The major outstanding question is what new strategies can be implemented to reduce poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The deliberation by Mr. Daschle, who turned 55 early last month and was elected to the Senate in 1986, has been closely watched by many Democrats who described it as the last major outstanding question about the Democratic presidential field.

The New York Times

The other major outstanding question is the age of Saturn's rings.

BBC

The details of this "copper switch" regulatory mechanism are not understood and represent a major outstanding question in the field.

BMC Biology

The small number of impressive objective responses introduces the major outstanding question: what differentiates responders from nonresponders?

Core Evidence

Here we briefly introduce our viral planet and then address a major outstanding question in biology: why is most of life viral?

Biology and Philosophy

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04000.033 A major outstanding question in kidney development has been to understand how the nephrons are patterned.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Further experimental and theoretical investigations that examine more quantitatively the dynamics of memory maintenance by synaptic reactivation will help to solve one of the major outstanding questions in neurobiology, the preservation of memories for up to a lifetime in animals including humans.

Plosone

One of the major outstanding questions of this study is whether the eukaryotic class I FBA confers any advantage over its analogue, as opposed to simply replacing the analogue to no great consequence.

BMC Biology

It comprises necessary groundwork for addressing major outstanding questions: the nature of social obligations to research participants, whether researchers have special obligations to participants, and whether participants should be given priority in the allocation of a successful trial intervention over equally needy, or needier non-participants.

Bioethics

The major outstanding financial question, Mr. Nabi said, is whether Globalstar's network of 52 satellites, ground stations and the licenses it holds for the radio spectrum in which it operates are worth enough to largely compensate bondholders and other creditors in a bankruptcy proceding.

The New York Times

It is known that there is a major bias in genome composition towards Gypsy DNA in the common sunflower genome [ 28, 29], but an outstanding question is whether other Asteraceae genomes exhibit similar patterns.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "major outstanding question", ensure that you clearly articulate the question itself for maximum clarity. Frame it within the context of its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "major outstanding question" as a vague placeholder. Always specify the question and its significance to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major outstanding question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant, unresolved query. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and serves to highlight an issue needing attention, as seen in examples about biology and kidney development.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "major outstanding question" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for denoting a significant, unresolved query. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and our analysis reveals it is most commonly found in science and news media contexts, indicating its utility in formal and analytical discussions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the question itself and its importance, and consider related phrases like "significant unanswered query" for variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant unanswered query

Replaces "major" with "significant" and "question" with "query", slightly altering the tone.

primary unresolved issue

Substitutes "outstanding question" with "unresolved issue", shifting from a question to a problem focus.

key open inquiry

Uses "open inquiry" instead of "outstanding question", implying a more investigative approach.

central pending question

Replaces "outstanding" with "pending", emphasizing the unresolved aspect of the question.

critical remaining problem

Substitutes "question" with "problem", indicating a more problematic or challenging issue.

principal lingering concern

Uses "lingering concern" instead of "outstanding question", highlighting the persistent nature of the issue.

foremost unanswered riddle

Replaces "question" with "riddle", suggesting a more mysterious or puzzling aspect.

main unsettled point

Substitutes "outstanding question" with "unsettled point", focusing on the lack of resolution.

primary gap in knowledge

Shifts the focus from a question to a deficiency in understanding or information.

significant debate to be settled

Rephrases the question as a debate, highlighting differing views that need resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "major outstanding question" in a sentence?

You can use "major outstanding question" to introduce a significant unresolved issue. For example, "A major outstanding question is whether the new policy will effectively reduce carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "major outstanding question"?

Alternatives include "significant unanswered query", "primary unresolved issue", or "key open inquiry depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "major outstanding question" or "important outstanding question"?

Both are acceptable, but "major outstanding question" emphasizes the substantial impact or broad implications of the question, while "important outstanding question" highlights its general significance.

What's the difference between a "major outstanding question" and a "minor outstanding question"?

A "major outstanding question" signifies a problem that could have potentially serious repercussions, while a "minor outstanding question" indicates a less critical or consequential problem.