material question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "material question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a question that is significant or relevant to the matter at hand. Example: "The court must address the material question of whether the defendant had the intent to commit the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

That is the profound material question".

The Guardian

"The only material question that we are consulting on is the sharing of the licence fee," he says, pointing out the difference between consultations "required" by law or government guidelines and those on "open questions".

The Guardian - Tech

Material Question Behind the Scenes of Harvey Weinstein's Arrest Seven Signs that Your Man's Masculinity Is Nontoxic Starbucks and the Issue of White Space Subscribe to The New Yorkerfor only $1 a week.Plus, get a free tote.

The New Yorker

Material Question How Michelle Wolf Blasted Open the Fictions of Journalism in the Age of Trump Zadie Smith on Deana Lawson's Kingdom of Restored Glory The Spy Who Came Home I Am the One Woman Who Has It All Rudy Giuliani's Revelation About Trump's Stormy Daniels Payment Only Raises More Questions Subscribe to The New Yorkerfor only $1 a week.Plus, get a free tote.

The New Yorker

Material Question The Promise of Vaping and the Rise of Juul The Lifespan of a Photographer's Marriage, One Portrait of His Partner at a Time The Trouble with Elon Musk and Grimes Trump vs. the "Deep State" Trump's New, Confrontational Foreign Policy and the End of the Iran Deal Subscribe to The New Yorkerfor only $1 a week.Plus, get a free tote.

The New Yorker

…There is a substantial and material question of fact as to whether Sinclair affirmatively misrepresented or omitted material facts with the intent to consummate this transaction without fully complying with our broadcast ownership rules.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Material questions were those relating to illegal drug distribution, which was the subject the grand jury was investigating.

The New York Times - Sports

The 10-page federal indictment lists 19 answers Bonds gave the grand jury that prosecutors say were knowingly false on material questions, which is the standard for perjury.

The New York Times - Sports

The govt. charged Helms with a two- count "criminal information", the he "did refuse and fail to answer material questions before the Senate For.

The New Yorker

"These are material questions given that his footprint is all over the company," said A. M. Sacconaghi Jr., a securities analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein.

The New York Times - Tech

Australian Christian Lobby election material questioned whether Labor's policy to increase or remove gender identification options would "make public toilets unsafe for women and girls".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "material question", ensure the context is formal, such as legal or academic settings, to maintain appropriate tone and clarity. For example: "The judge considered the "material question" of the defendant's intent."

Common error

Avoid using "material question" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "important question" or "key issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "material question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "material question" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, typically found in formal contexts to denote a question of significant importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, the phrase appears in both news and media, as well as scientific publications. When considering alternatives, focus on options like "relevant question" or "significant question" to maintain a professional tone. It's best to avoid using "material question" in casual conversation to prevent sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevant question

Focuses on the pertinence of the question to the matter at hand.

significant question

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the question.

important question

Highlights the criticality and weight of the question.

key question

Indicates that the question is essential and fundamental to understanding the situation.

crucial question

Stresses the decisive nature of the question.

essential question

Implies that the question is indispensable and vital.

fundamental question

Highlights the foundational nature of the question.

vital question

Underscores the critical and necessary nature of the question.

pertinent question

Stresses the direct relevance of the question.

central question

Highlights the question's role as a focal point.

FAQs

What does "material question" mean?

A "material question" refers to a question that is significant, relevant, and essential to a particular issue or situation, often in a legal or formal context.

How do I use "material question" in a sentence?

You can use "material question" to highlight the importance of a question in a discussion or analysis. For example, "The "relevant question" is whether the evidence presented is sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt."

What are some alternatives to "material question"?

Some alternatives to "material question" include "significant question", "important question", or "key question". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "material question" formal or informal?

"Material question" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for legal, academic, or professional settings. In more casual contexts, alternatives like "important question" or "relevant issue" might be more appropriate.