question lingers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question lingers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that remains unresolved or continues to be on someone's mind. Example: "After the meeting, the question lingers about whether we made the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The question lingers.

The New York Times - Sports

And a question lingers.

The New York Times - Sports

Another question lingers.

The New York Times

Still, a question lingers.

The New York Times - Arts

The question lingers, unspoken, here.

The New York Times

The question lingers in the air, unanswered.

The New York Times

"The question lingers: why now?" he added.

The New York Times

Each year, the question lingers: Why bother?

The New York Times

But her question lingers for us today in modified form.

The New York Times

And the question lingers: Will northerners accept his authority?

The New Yorker

Still, the question lingers: who is Neil Patrick Harris?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question lingers" to introduce uncertainty or an unresolved issue, particularly when discussing potential future implications or consequences. It is especially effective when you want to maintain a sense of suspense or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "question lingers" when the context clearly indicates a definitive answer or resolution. The phrase is most impactful when genuine uncertainty or doubt remains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question lingers" functions as an introductory device to highlight unresolved issues, uncertainties, or lingering doubts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, emphasizing its reliability and appropriateness in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question lingers" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to introduce an unresolved matter or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence in news and media contexts underscores its suitability for both formal and informal communication. When considering alternatives, phrases like "issue remains unresolved" or "doubt persists" offer similar meanings, though "question lingers" often serves to create a sense of suspense or prompt further discussion. Use it judiciously to enhance your writing and effectively convey uncertainty, while steering clear of conclusive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the query remains

A more formal synonym, highlighting the state of being questioned.

mystery lingers

Emphasizes the mysterious nature of the situation.

issue remains unresolved

Focuses on the unresolved nature of the issue.

uncertainty remains

Highlights the lack of clarity or resolution.

doubt persists

Emphasizes the continuing presence of doubt.

the problem persists

Highlights the continuation of a problem.

matter hangs in the air

Conveys a sense of incompleteness or uncertainty.

the concern endures

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the concern.

puzzle endures

Indicates a continuing mystery or challenge.

the subject stays open

Highlights that the subject is not closed or finished yet.

FAQs

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

You can use "question lingers" to introduce an unresolved issue or uncertainty. For example, "After the presentation, the "question lingers" about the budget."

What's a formal alternative to "question lingers"?

A more formal alternative is "the query remains", which emphasizes the state of being questioned in a professional setting.

What does it mean when a "question lingers"?

When a ""question lingers"", it means the issue remains unresolved or there's a continued sense of doubt or uncertainty.

Is "question lingers" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, ""question lingers"" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, especially in news and media contexts.