seminal question

USAGE SUMMARY

'seminal question' is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a provocative, thought-provoking question that helps to define a complex issue, or to inspire new ideas or research. For example: "What is the most important goal of education? This is a seminal question that has been debated for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Like a novelist, it seems, Marvell has embarked on the pursuit of that seminal question, "What if?" The metaphysical conceit has become an ingeniously extended fantasy.

The Guardian - Books

Another seminal question to ask is this: "What kinds of species are not yet present in the Cambrian?" The answer is clear and the list is long and informative.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This may be the seminal question of our age.

Huffington Post

We listen to the usually smooth and trenchant Gov. Martin O'Malley of Maryland mis-answer this seminal question at the Convention when CBS's Bob Schieffer asks it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These are seminal questions in "network science" — an emerging field that examines how behavioral changes spread through social networks.

The New York Times - Health

Dr. Orgel and others began to pose seminal questions about DNA's biochemical origins in the 1960s, as the molecular structure of DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, was being unraveled and its role as a storehouse of genetic instructions was becoming more widely understood.

The New York Times

Dietrich, whose review lauded Goldhagen for asking "many of the proper seminal questions", mirrored Wheatcroft's concerns about repetitiveness, misunderstandings and polemics, specifically suggesting that "[r]eaders must be sure to also review the footnotes since in many cases he contextually and theologically nuances his book's claims only there".

Wikipedia

This suggests that lactoferrin has a quite remarkable level of stability and raises some seminal questions as to what confers such incredible stability to this specific protein molecule.

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics

In doing so, this study will address a seminal research question in distance-based patient-centred care – is tailoring or targeting health education messages a more efficacious approach to health behaviour change in the PA domain?

BMC Cancer

It was, I suppose, quite a seminal time: I questioned everything.

The Guardian

Researchers in the field can answer the question about seminal papers only subjectively.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "seminal question", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the question is fundamental and influential.

Common error

Avoid using "seminal question" to describe ordinary or trivial questions. The term implies a lasting impact and significant influence, so reserve it for questions that genuinely meet these criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seminal question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "seminal" modifies the noun "question". It describes a query of great significance and influence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seminal question" is used to describe a highly influential question, often one that has shaped a field of study or sparked significant debate. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in formal and neutral registers. While not exceedingly common, its presence in news, media and scientific publications reflects its utility in highlighting groundbreaking inquiries. Related phrases like "foundational question" or "essential question" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a lasting impact and should not be applied to trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational question

Emphasizes the basic, fundamental nature of the question.

essential question

Highlights the indispensable nature of the question to understanding a topic.

critical question

Stresses the importance of the question in decision-making or problem-solving.

major question

Indicates the question is significant and of considerable scale.

important question

Highlights the relevance and consequence of the question.

significant question

Emphasizes the notable impact or consequence of addressing the question.

pivotal question

Emphasizes the turning-point quality of the question.

crucial question

Underscores the decisive importance of the question to the outcome.

groundbreaking question

Emphasizes the new and innovative nature of the question.

instrumental question

Emphasizes the causal role the question plays in achieving a result.

FAQs

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

You can use "seminal question" to refer to a very influential question that has helped to define a field or area of study. For example, "The question of how consciousness arises from physical matter is a "seminal question" in philosophy and neuroscience".

What's a good substitute for "seminal question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "foundational question", "essential question", or "critical question". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of importance.

Is "seminal question" the same as "important question"?

While both refer to significance, "seminal question" implies a more profound and lasting impact. An "important question" may be relevant in the moment, but a "seminal question" has shaped future thinking and inquiry.

What makes a question 'seminal'?

A question is considered "seminal" if it is highly original, influential, and groundbreaking. It typically opens up new avenues of research or fundamentally shifts understanding in a particular field.