perennial question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'perennial question' is correct and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: "What is the meaning of life? It’s a perennial question that has been asked for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To what end, is the perennial question.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Mr. Bush's statement also revived a perennial question.

The New York Times

The beauty of the land raises a perennial question: what is the wild worth to Africa?

The Economist

And what of the perennial question over what to call the evening meal?

Independent

Like many, he asked the perennial question: can Labour ever win again?

The Guardian

The perennial question in Mormon history is: Whose side are you on?

The New York Times - Books

As for the perennial question of whether the region's wines are overpriced, it's hard to say.

The New York Times

The perennial question of childhood — "Where do babies come from?" — has always challenged parents.

The New York Times

The perennial question rises in me like a moan: What do irises want?

The Guardian - Books

Of course, this raises a perennial question: must theatre critics have firsthand knowledge of the craft?

The Guardian

Which raises the perennial question about Mr. Dangin's work: how much is too much?

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perennial question" when you want to emphasize that a question or issue has been discussed or debated repeatedly over a long period of time. It adds a sense of historical weight and ongoing relevance to the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "perennial question" for topics that are simply current or trendy. This phrase is best reserved for issues with a proven track record of recurring discussion and debate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perennial question" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a question that has been asked repeatedly over a long period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science & Research

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perennial question" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a question or topic that has been debated and considered repeatedly over a considerable time. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase. Its high frequency across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media, underscores its broad applicability. The phrase effectively adds depth and historical context to any discussion. When using this expression, ensure it's appropriately applied to questions with a demonstrated history of recurring debate rather than simply contemporary issues. Alternatives such as "enduring question" or "recurring question" can be used to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enduring question

Focuses on the lasting nature of the question.

recurring question

Emphasizes the repeated appearance of the question.

eternal question

Highlights the timeless aspect of the question.

age-old question

Stresses the question's long history.

long-standing question

Indicates that the question has been around for a significant period.

classic question

Refers to the question's traditional or established nature.

fundamental question

Highlights the importance and foundational nature of the question.

vexing question

Emphasizes the frustrating and challenging nature of the question.

unresolved question

Focuses on the lack of a definitive answer to the question.

oft-debated question

Highlights the frequent discussions and arguments surrounding the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "perennial question" to refer to questions that have been asked and debated for a long time. For example, "The relationship between nature and nurture is a "perennial question" in psychology."

What is a similar phrase to "perennial question"?

Similar phrases include "enduring question", "recurring question", or "age-old question", which all suggest a question that has been asked repeatedly over time.

Is it correct to say "a perennial question of" or "the perennial question of"?

Both "a perennial question of" and "the perennial question of" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the context. Use "a" when introducing it generally and "the" when referring to a specific, well-known question.

What makes a question "perennial"?

A question is considered "perennial" if it has been debated and discussed across different periods of time and cultures, often without a definitive resolution. It implies that the question remains relevant and continues to provoke thought and discussion.