ongoing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ongoing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that is currently being discussed or considered, often without a definitive answer. Example: "The ongoing question of climate change continues to spark debate among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It raised an ongoing question about the president's leadership on the issue: when does rhetoric become reality?

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, the fate of Vodafone's 45percentt stake in the joint venture has been an ongoing question.

The New York Times

It also provides a possible answer to the ongoing question of what became of all those NHS beds.

The Guardian - Sport

Recognising what is happening in the West Bank also contextualises the discussion about Israel's domestic politics, and the ongoing question about the makeup of a ruling coalition.

The Guardian - Opinion

One question is about value for money in terms of how the work was done initially and then an ongoing question of the drain on budgets".

The Guardian

The US Food and Drug Administration FDAA) published a report on lead and lipsticks and has an ongoing question and answer page on its website.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It does, however, highlight ongoing questions about America's ferocious punishment of white-collar criminals.

The Guardian - Business

The World Viewed by Stanley Cavell (1971) Cavell is a philosopher who finds in a film a reflection of ongoing questions of scepticism about reality.

The Guardian - Books

The latest twist comes amid ongoing questions over the future direction of Pearson, whose long-serving boss Dame Marjorie Scardino steps down at the end of the year.

Independent

That's at best a curious move, particularly given that there are ongoing questions over how much of the Dodgers Mr McCourt actually owns.

Independent

| Updated Herman Cain continued a string of public appearances in Washington on Wednesday in the face on ongoing questions about the sexual harassment accusations made against him in the 1990s.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing question", ensure the context clearly indicates that the question has been discussed or considered for a period of time without a definitive resolution. This helps emphasize the continuing nature of the inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "ongoing question" when a simpler term like "question" or "issue" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex, especially when the question is not truly long-standing or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a matter of inquiry that is currently under consideration and lacks a definitive resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ongoing question" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an issue or inquiry that remains unresolved and continues to be discussed or considered. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally suitable for formal contexts, it's essential to avoid overusing it in simple scenarios where a more concise term would suffice. Related phrases such as ""persistent question"" or ""unresolved issue"" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent question

Replaces "ongoing" with "persistent", emphasizing the continuous nature of the question.

continuing inquiry

Substitutes both "ongoing" and "question" with synonyms, altering the structure slightly.

open question

Emphasizes that the question is still under consideration and lacks a definitive answer.

pending inquiry

Focuses on the inquiry aspect, suggesting it's awaiting further investigation.

unresolved issue

Shifts from a question to an issue that remains to be settled.

unsettled matter

Replaces "question" with "matter", framing it as something unresolved.

lingering problem

Highlights the problematic nature of the question, implying it causes concern.

current dilemma

Frames the question as a difficult situation or problem.

recurring debate

Focuses on the debate aspect, suggesting repeated discussions.

enduring puzzle

Highlights the puzzling aspect, implying complexity and a challenge to solve.

FAQs

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

You can use "ongoing question" to refer to a matter that is currently being discussed or considered, often without a definitive answer. For example: "The ongoing question of climate change requires urgent attention."

What are some alternatives to "ongoing question"?

Some alternatives to "ongoing question" include "persistent question", "unresolved issue", or "open question", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "ongoing question" in formal writing?

Yes, "ongoing question" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts, as it clearly indicates a subject of continuing discussion or inquiry.

What's the difference between "ongoing question" and "open question"?

While both phrases refer to questions without definitive answers, "ongoing question" implies a process of continuous consideration or debate, while ""open question"" simply indicates that the question is yet to be resolved.