reigning question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reigning question" is not commonly used in written English, but it can be understood in context.
You can use it when referring to a question that is currently dominant or most relevant in a particular discussion or situation. Example: "The reigning question in today's debate is whether technology is helping or hindering our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In order to succeed with this new strategy, MySpace will need to crack the code over the reigning question challenging social networking sites; how to engage users in more than just browsing friends' photos or profiles, and long enough to allow brands and other properties to truly interact with these consumers (and generate revenue from these interactions).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Whereas sincerity generally seems to accept a given social order, authenticity becomes an implicitly critical concept, often calling into question the reigning social order and public opinion.

SEP

Confusion still reigns on the question of editions, with about three dozen different versions of the symphonies in existence.

The New Yorker

In an age where everyone presumes that Facebook reigns supreme, the question becomes: how is it possible for Friendster to grow at 40%? Prevailing theory relating to the growth of social networking sites suggests that social network popularity is a one or the other proposition in a finite marketplace.

TechCrunch

From Jennifer Hi Daynaa, I have a question for the reigning Alzheimer's support expert.

Huffington Post

WELLINGTON — It would make an excellent quiz question: Who is the reigning Olympic Games rugby champion?

The New York Times - Sports

So, to win one, all you have to do is answer this question: Who are the reigning Olympic cricket champions?

The Guardian - Sport

Braun is the reigning National League M.V.P., which might answer both questions satisfactorily to for some.

The New Yorker

The question is then begged: with Louis reigning supreme, who's the next guy down the list?

Huffington Post

This comes just days after another analyst firm questioned Nokia's current title as reigning king.

TechCrunch

Tonight, the reigning overlord of EDM, Pasquale Rotella, sat in front of a computer to answer your questions on Reddit. .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reigning question" when you want to emphasize that a particular question is currently the most important or influential one in a discussion or field. It adds a sense of temporal relevance and dominance.

Common error

Avoid using "reigning question" too frequently in your writing. Because it's not a common phrase, overuse can make your writing sound unnatural or forced. Opt for more common synonyms like "prevailing question" or "key question" to maintain a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reigning question" functions as a noun phrase where "reigning" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "question". It identifies the question that currently holds the most importance or influence. Ludwig, as confirmed in the examples, shows it's use in emphasizing a dominant issue.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reigning question" is used to describe the most important or dominant question in a specific context. While grammatically correct, Ludwig identifies it as a less common alternative to phrases like "prevailing question" or "dominant question". The phrase appears in diverse sources such as news outlets and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral register. Ludwig AI indicates that while the phrase is understandable, there are more common alternatives that may be preferable for clarity and naturalness in writing. Therefore, while acceptable, writers should consider the context and audience when choosing whether to use "reigning question" or a more prevalent synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prevailing question

Replaces "reigning" with "prevailing", emphasizing the current dominance of the question.

Dominant question

Substitutes "reigning" with "dominant", highlighting the question's superior influence.

Central question

Replaces "reigning" with "central", focusing on the question's core importance.

Key question

Uses "key" instead of "reigning", stressing the question's significance.

Overriding question

Employs "overriding" in place of "reigning", indicating the question's priority.

Principal question

Replaces "reigning" with "principal", denoting the question's primary status.

Burning question

Substitutes "reigning" with "burning", emphasizing the question's urgency.

Most important question

Replaces "reigning" with a descriptive phrase, clearly stating the question's significance.

Foremost question

Employs "foremost" in place of "reigning", highlighting the question's leading position.

Primary concern

Shifts from "question" to "concern", broadening the focus while retaining the core meaning of importance.

FAQs

What does "reigning question" mean?

The term "reigning question" refers to the most important or dominant question in a particular context or discussion at a specific time. It suggests that this question currently holds the most significance and influence.

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

You can use "reigning question" to highlight the primary issue being addressed. For example: "The "reigning question" in the climate change debate is how to effectively reduce carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "reigning question"?

You can use alternatives like "prevailing question", "dominant question", or "key question" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to express.

Is "reigning question" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "reigning question" is not a commonly used phrase. Alternatives like "prevailing question" or "dominant question" are more frequently encountered in both formal and informal writing.