major question is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major question is" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The major question is whether the two sides can agree to a compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The major question is how effective this policy will be.

The Guardian - Business

One major question is whether Mr. Bulger will take the stand in his own defense.

The New York Times

One major question is how much the disease will hurt mature redwoods and Douglas fir.

The New York Times - Science

A major question is whether insurance companies will offer policies covering drug costs and nothing else.

The New York Times

One major question is how much Mr. Putin knew in advance about the arrest.

The New York Times

One major question is whether the bank needs more capital, though Mr. Lewis discounted that notion.

The New York Times

A major question is whether the new advertising will result in more donations.

The New York Times

He says a major question is how many times the batteries can be recharged.

MIT Technology Review

The major question is: What kind of a downturn is New England facing?

The New York Times

One major question is whether that data can be used to augment systems like web search.

Stanford University

A major question is how these particles are accelerated up to such extreme energies.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major question is", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the question is significant. Provide sufficient background information to highlight the question's importance.

Common error

Avoid using "major question is" for minor or trivial inquiries. Ensure that the question truly represents a significant uncertainty or point of investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major question is" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight a central point of inquiry or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show it introducing a key issue that requires further investigation or resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major question is" serves as an effective introductory phrase to emphasize a key inquiry or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, notably in news, science, and academic domains. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity and significance, ensuring the question truly reflects a substantial matter. Remember, while alternatives exist, they often subtly alter the emphasis or formality. This phrase helps writers to underline what is essential to consider and, as this analysis shows, it does so with efficacy and wide acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing question is

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the question.

key issue is

Replaces "question" with "issue", highlighting a point of debate or dispute.

overriding issue is

Stresses that this specific problem is more important than any other issues.

primary concern is

Changes the focus to a feeling of anxiety or worry.

crucial consideration is

Highlights the importance of a specific factor in decision-making.

central problem is

Substitutes "question" with "problem", emphasizing a difficulty that needs to be resolved.

biggest challenge is

Focuses on difficulties faced when trying to achieve a goal.

significant matter is

Indicates something of considerable importance or seriousness.

main point of contention is

Formal phrasing that focuses on disagreement or dispute.

fundamental inquiry is

Replaces "question" with "inquiry", indicating a formal or academic investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "major question is" to introduce a significant point of inquiry or uncertainty, such as "The "major question is" whether the company can sustain its growth." or "A "major question is" how climate change will affect coastal communities."

What phrases are similar to "major question is"?

Similar phrases include "key issue is", "primary concern is", or "central problem is", which can be used to introduce a significant point of inquiry or uncertainty in a more concise or emphatic way.

Is it appropriate to use "major question is" in formal writing?

Yes, "major question is" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when introducing significant uncertainties or points of inquiry. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "fundamental inquiry is" for academic or highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "major question is" and "important question is"?

While both phrases introduce a significant point, "major question is" typically implies a broader scope or more profound impact than "important question is". "Important question is" might refer to a specific detail, while "major question is" usually refers to a fundamental uncertainty or unresolved issue.