proverbial question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proverbial question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that is commonly asked or recognized, often implying a deeper or philosophical nature. Example: "In discussions about the meaning of life, the proverbial question arises: 'What is the purpose of our existence?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"That is the proverbial question," said Bill Smith, vice president of marketing for Diversified Products.

The New York Times

He has examined how hippies, Marxists, urban architects, and utopians, among others, have tackled the proverbial question: Do we make the environment or does the environment make us?

University of California, Berkeley

Otherwise, there is no app that really answers the proverbial question, "Honey, what are we going to do on Friday?" No app other than Netflix, that is.

TechCrunch

Then came the proverbial question some reporter always asks: How do you feel right now? "Angry," his father said, gripping the lectern and swallowing hard.

Los Angeles Times

Someone will ask the proverbial question, "Aren't you going to miss him when he goes away?" I'll answer, 'yes,' and then ponder the question over and over in my mind.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That trust extends to the academic acculturation process team members face: Scientists must be willing to ask the proverbial stupid question; just as important is how those questions are answered.

Science Magazine

Tonight, with the first of a pair of grand-opening concerts by Willie Nelson, Austin's proverbial $64,000 questions will be met with a $40 million answer: ACL Live at the Moody Theater, a state-of-the-art, 2,750-seat facility.

The New York Times

This, of course, gives rise to the proverbial sixty-four-dollar question: Why is the short-term thesis so widely accepted.

Harvard University

Around this sad, quarrelling couple move a group of friends and siblings, all of whom are struggling, in their various ways, to answer the question made proverbial by a much younger contemporary writer: How should a person be?

The New Yorker

But this raises the following questions (and the proverbial eyebrow): what does Oprah know about the weight and health management industry, and will her appointment have a long-term effect on the stock price?

Forbes

It may also offer a window into the evolution of black political power as two African-American candidates from divergent generations and backgrounds try to settle the question of when the proverbial torch will be passed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proverbial question" when you want to emphasize that the question is widely known or often debated, indicating it's a common point of inquiry. It often implies a sense of timelessness or universality.

Common error

Avoid using "proverbial question" when a simpler term like "common question" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. Use it when you really want to signal that the question is a deeply ingrained or much-discussed one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proverbial question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "proverbial" modifies the noun "question". It denotes a question that is widely recognized and often discussed. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proverbial question" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies a question is widely known or frequently discussed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid term. While not as common as alternatives like "common question", it adds a touch of formality. It appears most often in News & Media and Academic contexts, signaling its suitability for both neutral and slightly elevated tones. When writing, use the "proverbial question" when you want to emphasize the widespread nature and lasting relevance of an inquiry. Avoid overusing it in overly simplistic or casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common question

Replaces the adjective 'proverbial' with 'common', focusing on the frequency of the question.

well-known question

Highlights the familiarity of the question.

frequently asked question

Emphasizes how often the question is posed.

typical question

Focuses on the representative nature of the question.

age-old question

Indicates the question has been asked for a very long time.

classic question

Suggests the question is a standard or typical one.

recurring question

Highlights the repeated appearance of the question.

standard question

Focuses on the established or conventional nature of the question.

fundamental question

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the question.

basic question

Indicates the question is simple and foundational.

FAQs

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

You can use "proverbial question" to refer to a question that is commonly asked or recognized. For example: "The "proverbial question" of 'what is the meaning of life?' has been debated for centuries."

What does "proverbial question" mean?

The term "proverbial question" refers to a question that is so well-known or frequently asked that it has become almost cliché. It often represents a fundamental or age-old inquiry.

What can I say instead of "proverbial question"?

You can use alternatives like "common question", "frequently asked question", or "well-known question" depending on the context.

Is "proverbial question" formal or informal?

"Proverbial question" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to be used more in writing or when a slightly elevated tone is desired. In very casual conversation, a simpler phrase like "common question" may be more appropriate.