serious questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to inquiries that require thoughtful consideration or address important issues. Example: "The report raised several serious questions about the effectiveness of the current policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There remain serious questions.

The Economist

All this raises serious questions.

The New York Times - Books

But serious questions remain.

The Guardian - Tech

And serious questions.

The New York Times

Those are serious questions.

The New York Times

Serious questions remain, however.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are serious questions here.

The Guardian - Opinion

But two serious questions remain.

The Guardian

But some serious questions remain.

The Guardian

But other visitors had serious questions.

The New York Times

Serious questions of cost and financing remain.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "serious questions" with alternative phrases like "critical inquiries" or "important questions" to add variety to your writing and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "serious questions" repetitively in close proximity. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing using synonyms such as "key issues" or "significant inquiries".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious questions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb. It refers to inquiries that demand thoughtful consideration due to their significance. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase highlights issues needing careful examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious questions" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to inquiries that demand careful consideration due to their importance. As verified by Ludwig, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communications. While the phrase is versatile, varying your language by using synonyms like "important questions" or "critical inquiries" can enhance your writing. Remember to ensure the context underscores the significance of the questions to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Important questions

Focuses on the significance of the inquiries being made.

Significant inquiries

Emphasizes the depth and relevance of the questions posed.

Key issues

Highlights the central problems or matters under discussion.

Critical questions

Stresses the importance of addressing these questions for a successful outcome.

Fundamental questions

Indicates that the questions touch upon core principles or concepts.

Vital questions

Underscores the necessity of these questions to be answered.

Pressing questions

Highlights the urgency and importance of the questions.

Profound questions

Suggests the questions are deep and require thoughtful consideration.

Pertinent questions

Emphasizes the direct relevance of the questions to the topic at hand.

Relevant questions

Highlights that the questions are connected and important to the subject matter.

FAQs

What does "serious questions" mean?

The phrase "serious questions" refers to inquiries that address important or critical issues, requiring careful and thoughtful consideration.

How can I use "serious questions" in a sentence?

You can use "serious questions" to highlight important inquiries. For instance, "The investigation raised "serious questions" about the company's financial practices."

What can I say instead of "serious questions"?

You can use alternatives like "important questions", "critical inquiries", or "key issues" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use the adjective "serious" before "questions"?

No, it's not always necessary. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the importance or gravity of the questions. If the context already implies significance, simply using "questions" may suffice.