substantive question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantive question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is significant, meaningful, or has substantial content. Example: "During the meeting, she raised a substantive question about the project's impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A vote on whether a matter is procedural or substantive is itself a substantive question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Path analysis, which can model direct and indirect influences on outcomes simultaneously, would address this substantive question.

Seminars in Nephrology

If Dartmouth was sincerely concerned with Ashton's foreign policy background, why didn't he ask a substantive question?

The Guardian - Opinion

In that entire time, Judge Sotomayor has only twice dissented from a ruling on a substantive question of race discrimination.

The New York Times

I will therefore not discuss the substantive question, but limit myself to a brief explanation of the facts.

Columbia University

How adults learn in the environment of expanding knowledge and the electronic distribution of content is a substantive question requiring research, data, and change.

Journal of the American College of Radiology

Frequent capacity shortages and the ensuing rolling black-outs, price spikes, and large price volatility since Summer 2000 raise a simple but substantive question: what went wrong?

Energy

The Supreme Court cannot easily avoid the substantive question of whether same-sex couples have a constitutionally protected right to marry in California and elsewhere.

The New York Times

Most of the justices' questions dealt with the issue of how to read the law correctly, but Roberts, in his single substantive question, took a different tack.

The New Yorker

That's Los Angeles.On the more substantive question of why Washington has become the richest metropolitan area in the country, Dylan Matthews has just written the definitive blog post.

The Economist

How we should be democratic is the substantive question, and a flexible approach to this question is entirely consistent with an unwavering commitment to democracy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive question" when you want to emphasize that a question is not trivial but addresses a core issue or principle. It's particularly useful in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts where depth and significance are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "substantive question" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. In these settings, opt for simpler alternatives like "important question" or "real question".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive question" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantive" modifies the noun "question", emphasizing its importance and depth. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive question" is a phrase used to denote a question of significant importance and depth, often employed in formal contexts such as news reporting, academic discussions, and scientific research. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is valid and correct in written English. While highly prevalent in formal and professional settings, its use in casual conversation may sound overly formal. Related alternatives include "important question", "meaningful question", and "critical question". When writing, reserve "substantive question" for instances where you aim to highlight the gravity and core relevance of the inquiry at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important question

Replaces "substantive" with "important", focusing on the high value or consequence of the question.

serious question

Replaces "substantive" with "serious", focusing on the grave or significant nature of the question.

meaningful question

Replaces "substantive" with "meaningful", highlighting the question's depth and relevance.

critical question

Replaces "substantive" with "critical", indicating the question's importance for decision-making or analysis.

significant inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry", emphasizing the act of seeking information and its importance.

fundamental question

Replaces "substantive" with "fundamental", emphasizing that the question is a basic or foundational one.

essential question

Replaces "substantive" with "essential", stressing the fundamental nature of the question.

weighty question

Replaces "substantive" with "weighty", highlighting the seriousness and importance of the question.

probing question

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of the question.

significant matter for consideration

Replaces "question" with a broader term emphasizing the issue that needs attention.

FAQs

What does "substantive question" mean?

A "substantive question" refers to a question that is important, meaningful, and deals with the essential aspects of a topic. It's a question that goes beyond superficial details and delves into the core issues.

When is it appropriate to use the term "substantive question"?

It is appropriate to use "substantive question" in formal settings, such as academic discussions, professional meetings, or when reporting on serious matters in journalism. It's best used when you want to highlight the significance of the question being asked.

What can I say instead of "substantive question"?

You can use alternatives like "important question", "meaningful question", or "critical question" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "substantive question" and a "procedural question"?

Yes, a "substantive question" deals with the core issues or content of a matter, while a "procedural question" concerns the process or method for addressing something. One focuses on 'what' is being discussed, the other on 'how' it's being handled.