overwhelming question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is particularly difficult, complex, or emotionally charged, often causing a sense of being overwhelmed. Example: "The overwhelming question of how to address climate change looms over our discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The overwhelming question is whether it will radically cut costs, as it claims.

The New York Times

Gradually, these niggling queries boiled down to an overwhelming question: who was the real Anthony Burgess?

The Guardian - Books

It was the overwhelming question, one that sent some people mad and others screaming into religion.

The Guardian - Opinion

We want an answer to the overwhelming question "Why?" The trial provides a narrative, a catharsis, and a ritual of justice.

The New Yorker

The overwhelming question, Ambrose says, is " 'Am I a coward?' And the only way you can ever find out is to be in combat".

The New Yorker

"The No. 1 overwhelming question I get is, 'How do you find a man?' and I'm so sick of it because I answer it all the damn time".

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

When crises hit, the lawyers from Lone Star have answers to the overwhelming questions that follow the devastation: What if you lost your job because of the storm?

The New Yorker

"Both press our attention to the existentials, the adverbials," he writes, "the sensual and overwhelming questions, the mysteries and certainties of life and death".

The New York Times - Books

While it is okay to be apprehensive (being around so much awesome all at once can be overwhelming), the question should in fact be the statement: "You should date someone with a disability!" I'm pretty sure that every T-Swifty song ever, is based on her desire to find something new, exciting and different.

Huffington Post

Eight questions have a 5-point Likert-scale response from 0 (not at all) to 4 (overwhelming), two questions have 3 answer options (0-2-4), one question (main problems of the previous 3 days) is answered in free text and the last question asks patients if they needed help with filling out the questionnaire (0 – no, 1 – help from family or friend, 2 – help from staff).

BMC Palliative Care

The overwhelming majority questioned (77%) said they felt there was no difference between bullying or "trolling" someone online and shouting abuse in the street.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overwhelming question" to introduce a problem or inquiry that is complex, emotionally charged, or has significant consequences. This sets the stage for deeper analysis and discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming question" too frequently in your writing. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "pressing question" or "central issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a central inquiry or problem. It often sets the stage for deeper analysis, debate, or decision-making. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce significant, complex, or emotionally charged inquiries. It appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts, highlighting its versatility across different domains. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and offers numerous real-world examples demonstrating its use in setting the stage for deeper analysis and thoughtful solutions. When using this phrase, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "pressing question" or "critical question" to maintain reader engagement. The phrase serves to emphasize the magnitude of the problem at hand, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing question

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the question.

critical question

Highlights the crucial nature and significance of the question.

fundamental question

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the question.

paramount question

Highlights that the question is of utmost importance.

primary concern

Focuses on the question as the main worry or issue.

central issue

Indicates the question is the core problem or point of discussion.

burning question

Suggests a question that is urgently in need of an answer.

dominant question

Indicates that the question takes precedence over others.

major challenge

Presents the question as a significant obstacle to overcome.

big question

A more informal way to describe a very important question.

FAQs

What does "overwhelming question" mean?

The phrase "overwhelming question" refers to a question that is particularly significant, complex, or emotionally challenging, often causing a sense of being overwhelmed due to its magnitude or implications.

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

You can use "overwhelming question" to introduce a critical issue or problem that requires careful consideration. For example: "The "pressing question" is whether the company can recover from this financial crisis."

What can I say instead of "overwhelming question"?

You can use alternatives like "pressing question", "critical question", or "major challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is "overwhelming question" formal or informal?

"Overwhelming question" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news, academic writing, and professional discussions. Using a term like "big question" may be more appropriate for informal settings.