question lies within

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question lies within" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the answer or issue being discussed is found internally or within a specific context or subject. Example: "The real question lies within the motivations behind their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Let me leave you with a quote from Irish dramatist George Bernard Shaw - I think the answer to the question lies within it.

BBC

Your lender may require additional flood insurance if it reveals that the property in question lies within a flood zone.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is also possible, it seems, that Vulcan be a unique planet between Sun and Mercury and have a slightly different particular mass m′, a slightly different particular shape s′, and a slightly different particular chemical composition c′, where the slight differences in question lie within the range of deviations the original astronomers would have tolerated.

SEP

Behind this question lies another.

The New York Times

This question lies at the heart of sociobiological research.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Lloyd Webber said on Twitter yesterday: "If the government would only release the file, I would rewrite the ending of my show if necessary, why all this secrecy?" Rice-Davies, a former model who lived with Keeler, said that she believes the answer to that question may lie within witness statements given to police in the weeks leading up to the trial.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, theoreticians often question whether birth weight lies within the "causal" pathway to infant mortality or is simply an indicator of adverse conditions (7– 14).

American Journal of Epidemiology

President-in-Office. - (SL) The only response I can make to Mr Higgins is that I cannot answer his question because the answer lies within the competence of the European Commission.

EU Parlament

The answers to such questions probably lie within the constellation of recombinogenic DNA sequence motifs and the regulation of proteins that bind to those DNA sites.

Genetics

For many, the recent trial of Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has relit the inevitable question: "How could they?" One answer lies within something called familial ties, and they're more powerful and prevalent than most people realize.

Huffington Post

Few Christians have questioned Israeli sovereignty, because most of Mount Zion lies within territory Israel conquered in 1948, when the state of Israel was born.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "question lies within", ensure that the context clearly identifies what contains the answer or solution. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "question lies within" as a filler phrase without specifying the context. Be direct about where the answer can be found.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question lies within" functions as an assertion, suggesting that the solution or answer to an inquiry is located or contained within a specific context, entity, or situation. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase introduces a focus on internal factors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "question lies within" is a grammatically correct construction used to suggest that the answer or solution to a problem is contained within something specific. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. However, its usage is relatively rare and tends to appear in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. To enhance clarity, avoid vague language and clearly specify the context where the answer resides. Alternatives like "the answer is found within" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. In essence, the phrase directs focus inward, implying that internal factors are key to resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the answer is found within

Replaces "question" with "answer" and uses a passive voice to emphasize the location of the answer.

the solution resides internally

Substitutes "question" with "solution", "lies" with "resides", and "within" with "internally" to highlight an internal resolution.

the key is contained within

Uses "key" instead of "question" and "contained" instead of "lies" to suggest that the essential element is held inside.

the root cause is internal

Replaces "question" with "root cause", focusing on identifying the origin within a system or entity.

the heart of the matter is inside

Uses a metaphorical expression to emphasize that the core issue is located internally.

the crux of the problem is inherent

Substitutes "question" with "crux of the problem" and "within" with "inherent" to indicate an intrinsic issue.

the mystery is found inside

Replaces "question" with "mystery" to focus on discovering something concealed internally.

the core issue is embedded within

Emphasizes that the central problem is deeply integrated or fixed within something.

the resolution is internal to

Highlights that the solution is not external but part of the system or entity itself.

the explanation is self-contained

Indicates that the answer is complete and present within itself, without needing external elements.

FAQs

How can I use "question lies within" in a sentence?

You can use "question lies within" to indicate that the answer to a problem or mystery is contained within a particular situation, person, or thing. For example, "The answer to the "question lies within" the company's core values".

What are some alternatives to "question lies within"?

Alternatives include "the answer is found within", "the solution resides internally", or "the key is contained within". Each of these offers a slightly different nuance while conveying a similar meaning of internal containment. For example, "the solution resides internally".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "question lies within"?

While grammatically correct, "question lies within" may sound somewhat formal. Consider the tone of your writing and choose a more informal alternative if appropriate. It may also be too vague and it's usually better to be more direct.

What does it mean when someone says the "question lies within"?

When someone says the "question lies within", they're suggesting that the answer or solution to a problem is not external, but rather can be found within a specific context, system, or individual. For example, "the answer to the "question lies within" the data itself".