recurring question

USAGE SUMMARY

"recurring question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a question that is asked repeatedly or keeps coming up in a discussion or conversation. Example: "The recurring question in the debate over climate change is whether human activity is the main cause of rising global temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The recurring question is whether Turkey should look East or West.

The New York Times

Virtual fireworks.The recurring question is whether the games will come off.

The Economist

8], a recurring question has been whether the statutory and the constitutional provisions are coextensive.

Cornell University

But the big, recurring question was: why wasn't I on food stamps?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For nearly two years now this recurring question has interested some Western observers.

The Guardian

"What does that even mean?" is a recurring question, as are indignant post-mortems on their various bunk-ups.

Independent

Al Amoudi's plans raise a recurring question surrounding investment in food production: who will reap the benefits?

The New York Times - Magazine

With Mr. Wool, the recurring question becomes not only "Is that a painting?" but also "Is that actually painted?" And the answer often is: No, not strictly speaking.

The New York Times - Arts

Republicans and Democrats will most likely revisit the recurring question of revenues versus spending cuts when those two months are up.

The New York Times

As Europe's debt crisis has deepened, a recurring question is how much risk it poses to the United States economy, and especially American banks.

The New York Times

The recurring question among the politicians I encountered was this: how can he still be allowed to compete in the Tour?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recurring question" when you want to emphasize that a question is not new or unique, but rather something that is frequently brought up or considered.

Common error

While "recurring question" is acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in formal contexts. Consider synonyms like "persistent issue" or "frequent inquiry" for variety and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recurring question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "recurring" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI confirms its usability based on numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recurring question" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a question that arises repeatedly. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While its meaning is straightforward, consider synonyms like "frequently asked question" or "persistent question" to avoid overuse and add variety to your writing. Remember that "recurring question" highlights the repetitive nature of the inquiry, suggesting it's an ongoing concern or debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently asked question

Emphasis on the frequency with which the question is asked.

common question

Focuses on the widespread nature of the question.

persistent question

Highlights the continuous and enduring nature of the question.

repeated question

Stresses the action of asking the same question multiple times.

perennial question

Implies the question is timeless and always relevant.

constant question

Indicates the question arises regularly without ceasing.

usual question

Highlights the expected or typical nature of the question.

prevailing question

Emphasizes the current relevance and importance of the question.

recurrent issue

Shifts focus slightly from a question to a broader problem or issue that reappears.

familiar question

Indicates the question is well-known or easily recognizable.

FAQs

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

You can use "recurring question" to describe an issue that is frequently asked or considered. For example, "A "recurring question" in software development is how to balance speed and security".

What can I say instead of "recurring question"?

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

Is it correct to say "recurrent question" instead of "recurring question"?

Yes, "recurrent question" is a synonym for "recurring question" and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. The words have very similar meanings and usages.

What's the nuance between "recurring question" and "lingering question"?

While both phrases describe questions that persist, ""recurring question"" implies the question comes up repeatedly, while "lingering question" suggests the question remains unanswered or unresolved.