question at stake

USAGE SUMMARY

'question at stake' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to an issue or problem that must be addressed or resolved. For example: "The tax reform debate is a complex one, with many important questions at stake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

There's a bigger ethical question at stake too.

The Guardian

But the wider question at stake is how to remedy the abuses, where they exist.

The Economist

Which brings us to another truth we'd rather not acknowledge: there is a class question at stake here.

The Guardian - Opinion

The accusation of scientism is a pain, because mostly it's also employed when the question at stake could perfectly well be answered by science.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hearing's most striking aspect was not about the legal question at stake;nearly every witness said Officer Turetzky, now a sergeant, had never wavered in his account.

The New York Times

The University, as such, does not take positions on major public issues, except as they pertain directly to our own policies, so that is not the question at stake here.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

There are far bigger questions at stake.

The New York Times

The questions at stake: Can a region act alone to soften aviation's climate impact?

The New York Times

There are two key questions at stake: Who should regulate commercial space activity?

The Washington Post

What's slowing the works are the huge political questions at stake, many of them with consequences potentially as toxic as the banks' assets.

The New York Times

All sides expect plenty of opportunity in the form of a hailstorm of lawsuits to answer the legal questions at stake.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question at stake", ensure that the context clearly indicates the importance or significance of the issue being discussed. It is best used when the outcome or decision hinges on this question.

Common error

Avoid using "question at stake" when discussing minor or unimportant issues. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the issue has significant consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question at stake" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific matter under consideration, particularly one with significant implications. Ludwig examples confirm its role in highlighting crucial issues.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "question at stake" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular issue being considered. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, making it most impactful when used in contexts where the significance of the issue warrants such emphasis. The phrase appears most often in news, scientific, and academic sources. When writing, reserve it for instances where the outcome has significant consequences, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Consider alternatives like "issue in question" or "point at issue" to provide nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point at issue

Highlights the specific point of disagreement or concern.

issue in question

Focuses on the specific issue being discussed.

core question

Emphasizes that the issue is central and fundamental.

fundamental concern

Stresses the importance and worry associated with the issue.

matter in hand

Emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the topic.

chief consideration

Emphasizes the weight that the subject should carry.

central problem

Highlights the problematic nature of what is being considered.

underlying issue

Implies a deeper, less obvious problem.

primary focus

Highlights that the main attention should be on the specified question.

main challenge

Frames the issue as a difficulty to overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "question at stake" in a sentence?

You can use "question at stake" to emphasize the importance of a particular issue being discussed. For example: "The question at stake is whether the company can remain profitable."

What is a good alternative to "question at stake"?

Alternatives include "issue in question", "matter in hand", or "point at issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "issue at stake" and "question at stake"?

While similar, "question at stake" often implies a need for resolution or a decision to be made, whereas "issue at stake" may refer to a broader problem or concern.

When is it appropriate to use "question at stake" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that the resolution of the question has significant implications or consequences. For instance, "With such high stakes, the question at stake is not merely academic."