pending question

USAGE SUMMARY

"pending question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a question or issue that has not yet been answered or resolved. Example: The pending question of who will be chosen as the new CEO of the company is still unknown.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The purpose of the motion for the previous question is to close debate peremptorily and bring the assembly to an immediate vote on the pending question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the statement did seem to answer one pending question: Palestinian officials cannot hope to gain implicit recognition of statehood through the court.

The New York Times

A presiding officer who is a member of the assembly has the right to debate and to participate in the proceedings but generally calls another to the chair before taking the floor and does not resume it again until the pending question has been decided.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The origin of the β transition in poly vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is still a pending question.

Polymer

Apparently Carter-Ruck was trying to keep the issue from surfacing publicly and had obtained a court injunction barring coverage of a pending question that was being raised on the matter by a Member of Parliament.

Huffington Post

Because, beyond the heavy consequences of stopping negotiations and going to a referendum, beyond the dangers that are now evident to all, the pending question which we have to answer cancels out the reason to have the referendum: democratic authenticity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There has been very little speculation about his State of the Union message or about White House attitudes on any pending questions.

The New Yorker

He has deferred his decision to join Team 100 pending questions about the estate tax, as he feels the proposed bill is not aggressive enough".

The New York Times

Russia's foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, said Saturday that he met with Mr. Mottaki for more than an hour the day before and stressed that Iran must cooperate with the atomic energy agency and answer the agency's pending questions.

The New York Times

A s for Jerusalem, would it not be better to resolve all other pending questions first and defer until a later time decisions about the fate of the holiest of cities?

The New York Times

They comprise motions to suspend the rules, withdraw motions, read papers, raise the question of consideration, raise questions of order and appeal, reconsider, take up out of order, determine the method of procedure, divide pending questions, and raise questions relating to nominations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pending question" when you specifically want to highlight that an issue or inquiry is still under consideration and awaiting a resolution. It works well in formal contexts like reports, meetings, or academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "pending question" when you actually mean an "open question". "Open question" implies that the answer is not yet known or fully understood within a field, whereas "pending question" simply means it's awaiting an answer or decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pending question" functions as a noun phrase, where "pending" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "question". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pending question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe an issue or inquiry awaiting a decision or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent occurrence across diverse contexts. It's most often found in scientific and news media sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects that a decision or answer is anticipated but not yet finalized. Consider alternatives like "unresolved issue" or "outstanding query" to fine-tune your expression based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unanswered question

Directly states that the question hasn't received a response.

unresolved issue

Focuses on the lack of resolution rather than the form of inquiry.

outstanding query

Replaces "question" with a synonym emphasizing the need for a response.

unsettled matter

Shifts from a specific question to a broader issue that remains undecided.

open question

Emphasizes that the question is still being considered and hasn't been answered.

awaiting resolution

Highlights the state of waiting for a solution or answer.

undecided issue

Similar to "unsettled matter" but emphasizes the lack of a decision.

lingering inquiry

Suggests the question has persisted for some time.

deferred question

Implies the question has been postponed for later consideration.

remaining challenge

Frames the question as a problem needing a solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "pending question" to describe a matter that is awaiting a decision or resolution. For example, "The board will address the "pending question" of budget allocation at the next meeting".

What are some alternatives to "pending question"?

Alternatives include "unresolved issue", "outstanding query", or "unanswered question", depending on the specific context.

Is "pending question" formal or informal?

"Pending question" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and official contexts. It is not typically used in very informal conversation.

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

A "pending question" refers to an issue waiting to be decided or addressed, while an "open question" refers to an issue not yet answered by research or experimentation. A "pending question" awaits action, whereas an "open question" awaits discovery.