primary question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the main or most important question being asked in a sentence or conversation. Example: "What is the primary question that needs to be answered in our research paper?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our primary question was: Did Malema benefit?

The Guardian

"This motion asks one primary question," the lawyers wrote.

The New York Times

The primary question is, will he leave the Angels?

The New York Times

The primary question remains: Which sites will meet the definition of an official museum?

The New York Times - Arts

So a primary question about the procedure is whether it leads to lasting improvement.

The New York Times - Health

"The primary question mark is, 'How accessible are the holders of the debt?' " Mr. Bane said.

The New York Times

The primary question, he says, is "Where is it, and why is it there?

The New Yorker

So the primary question is really no longer, what do we know.

The New York Times

The primary question for the Yankees is how they react, philosophically, to the Detroit fiasco.

The New York Times - Sports

The primary question, to be sure, is what can be done to shorten or alleviate these bad times.

The New York Times

"The more primary question is greater effectiveness and witness to the Gospel," Mr. Almen said of the collaboration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary question", ensure it clearly identifies the central issue you are addressing. Avoid using it for secondary or tangential questions to maintain focus and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "primary question" when referring to a supporting question or a question that branches off from the main topic. Always reserve it for the most fundamental inquiry that drives the discussion or research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the most important inquiry within a given context. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its role in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primary question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that identifies the central inquiry within a given context. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence across various domains, including news media, scientific research, and business communication. The phrase serves to highlight the most important question requiring an answer, effectively focusing attention and guiding discussion. While synonyms like "main question" and "key question" exist, "primary question" maintains a slightly more formal tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in a wide range of writing scenarios, provided it accurately reflects the core inquiry being addressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main question

This alternative focuses on the centrality of the question, similar to "primary question".

key question

This alternative highlights the importance of the question, emphasizing its significance.

central question

This emphasizes that the question is at the heart of the matter being considered.

principal question

This alternative uses a more formal synonym for "primary", maintaining a similar meaning.

fundamental question

This emphasizes the foundational nature of the question, suggesting it underlies other inquiries.

core question

This alternative suggests the question is at the very center of the issue.

basic question

This highlights the simplicity and essential nature of the question.

overarching question

This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the question, suggesting it encompasses other related inquiries.

leading question

This alternative focuses on how this question will guide or direct the line of inquiry.

chief question

A more formal synonym of "primary", used to indicate the most important question.

FAQs

How to use "primary question" in a sentence?

You can use "primary question" to introduce the main issue being addressed, such as "The "primary question" is whether the new policy will improve efficiency".

What can I say instead of "primary question"?

You can use alternatives like "main question", "key question", or "central question" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "primary question" or "main question"?

Both ""primary question"" and "main question" are correct and often interchangeable, but "primary question" may imply a slightly more formal or academic tone.

What's the difference between "primary question" and "leading question"?

"Primary question" refers to the central issue, while "leading question" is a question that prompts or encourages a particular answer.