prevailing question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most significant or dominant question in a particular context or discussion. Example: "The prevailing question in our debate was whether climate change is primarily caused by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

And she found herself at odds with the Democratic base on the prevailing question of the day, having voted in favour of the war in Iraq.

Independent

The prevailing question here throughout fight week is not whether you will be watching Pacquiao's long-awaited showdown with Mayweather but where you will be watching it.

The Guardian - Sport

The prevailing question is whether Blatter will be indicted.

Huffington Post

One prevailing question was whether the US soldiers involved violated the Rules of Engagement.

Huffington Post

Brooks says that the "are we better off" question is the prevailing question and that people are more concerned with long term debts than short term maladies.

Huffington Post

As the new Congress convenes this week, the prevailing question is whether Republicans will prove they can govern now that they rule both houses.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Before the Notre Dame star Manti Te'o finally broke his silence, there was a belief that what he said would resolve many of the prevailing questions surrounding the bizarre episode of a dead girlfriend hoax.

The New York Times - Sports

Learning is motivated by the interest to answer prevailing questions.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

However, this study is nonetheless relevant with regard to one of the more prevailing questions in clinical practice for patients in shock conditions, namely the MAP target that should be reached through fluid loading and NE.

Critical Care

Our findings have direct theoretical and practical consequences for a number of prevailing biological questions with regard to global biodiversity estimates, conservation efforts and global taxonomic initiatives.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

"Artists have always had a capacity to reflect on these questions, to question prevailing orthodoxies, especially political orthodoxies," says Enwezor. "If you look at authoritarian regimes, the first people they want to ban are artists and writers".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevailing question", ensure it accurately reflects the most significant or commonly discussed inquiry in the given context. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing question" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main question" or "key issue" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing question" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important or dominant inquiry within a specific context. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the most significant or dominant inquiry in a given context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for use across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal settings. For informal contexts, alternatives like "main question" or "key question" may be more appropriate. When employing "prevailing question", ensure it accurately reflects the central issue, maintaining clarity and focus in your communication. Given the widespread acceptance and practical usage, mastering the use of "prevailing question" can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary question

Replaces "prevailing" with "primary", emphasizing the question's importance.

main question

Substitutes "prevailing" with "main", highlighting the question's centrality.

central question

Uses "central" instead of "prevailing" to focus on the question's core position.

key question

Replaces "prevailing" with "key", stressing the question's significance.

major question

Substitutes "prevailing" with "major", denoting the question's importance.

dominant question

Employs "dominant" instead of "prevailing" to underline the question's prominence.

overriding question

Replaces "prevailing" with "overriding", emphasizing the question's supreme importance.

burning question

Substitutes "prevailing" with "burning", highlighting the urgency or intensity of the question.

current question

Replaces "prevailing" with "current", focusing on the question's relevance to the present time.

pressing question

Uses "pressing" instead of "prevailing" to underscore the question's urgency.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevailing question" to refer to the most important or frequently discussed question in a situation. For example: "The "prevailing question" at the conference was how to reduce carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "prevailing question"?

Alternatives include "main question", "key question", "central question", or "primary question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "prevailing question" in academic writing?

Yes, "prevailing question" is suitable for academic writing as it conveys a sense of importance and relevance, aligning with the formal tone often required in academic contexts.

What's the difference between "prevailing question" and "burning question"?

"Prevailing question" refers to the most significant or dominant question in a context, while "burning question" suggests a question that is urgent, intensely debated, or on everyone's mind. They are not always interchangeable.