substantive question about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'substantive question about' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to introduce a topic that you are questioning or challenging. For example, "I have a substantive question about the economic policies of this government."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Afterward, it considers texts that provide answers to the more substantive question about the nature of meaning as a property.

SEP

(Maybe I was really just being a grumpy customer complaining about having to schedule cleanings several weeks in advance, but in my head, at least, it was a more substantive question about balancing supply and demand).

TechCrunch

Other philosophers claim that the latter is not envy at all.5 Like many disputes over the nature of emotions, this one threatens to devolve into competing stipulations, but it can be understood as a substantive question about the character of an empirical phenomenon.[6] Some of the examples advanced on behalf of the suggested bifurcation threaten to obscure the issue.

SEP

Why don't I?" Within 24 hours, they sparked a media debate focusing on the substantive question about the healthfulness of school meals and, even more so, on a question of propriety: Is it fair to mention the First Family in an advertisement?

Huffington Post

Due to the steps involved in the simulation study (described below), particularly the reduction of the dataset to complete data and the omission of key confounders from the analysis, reported results are not intended to realistically address the substantive question about association between mental health and living at home in young adulthood.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But more substantive questions about the project repeatedly come up.

The Guardian

"DoD contended that no one remained who could answer substantive questions about the project or, apparently, any other activities".

Independent

In daily online surveys, the company asks respondents substantive questions about the programs and advertisements they watched.

The New York Times - Tech

He eschewed the gotcha-in-a-flip-flop questions beloved of professional journalists in favour of substantive questions about the candidates' characters and beliefs.

The Economist

Mr. O'Mara balked, but once he learned that there would be no substantive questions about the case, he allowed Mr. Zimmerman to assure the judge that he was waiving his right to the hearing.

The New York Times

He genially floundered his way through some substantive questions about constitutional law, and declared his opposition to abortion so strong that he would bring government to a halt rather than sign any bill that included abortion-related funding.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantive question about" to introduce a topic where a deep and meaningful inquiry is required, rather than a superficial or easily answered question.

Common error

Avoid using "substantive question about" for trivial matters. It is best reserved for situations where the question genuinely delves into the core of a subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive question about" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight the significance and depth of an inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and effectively signals that the following discussion involves a meaningful and complex question.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive question about" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a significant and meaningful inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is most commonly found in science and news media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the question you are introducing is indeed substantive and warrants thoughtful consideration. It is important to remember that while there are other options, the most closely related phrases are fundamental inquiry regarding, significant concern regarding and critical issue concerning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental inquiry regarding

Focuses on the foundational aspect of the question, emphasizing its importance.

significant concern regarding

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the matter in question.

critical issue concerning

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of addressing the question.

essential query pertaining to

Stresses the indispensability of the question for understanding the topic.

key consideration relating to

Highlights the importance of the question as a crucial factor.

primary problem surrounding

Focuses on the challenge or difficulty that the question addresses.

major dilemma in relation to

Highlights the conflicting aspects or uncertainties associated with the question.

central argument regarding

Emphasizes the question as a point of contention or debate.

pressing matter concerning

Indicates that the question requires immediate attention and resolution.

vital point in connection with

Stresses the crucial role of the question in linking different aspects of the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "substantive question about" in a sentence?

You can use "substantive question about" to introduce a significant inquiry. For example, "There is a "substantive question about" the long-term effects of this policy."

What are some alternatives to "substantive question about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fundamental inquiry regarding", "significant concern regarding", or "critical issue concerning", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "substantive question about" or "important question about"?

"Substantive question about" implies a deeper, more fundamental inquiry than "important question about". Use ""substantive question about"" when the issue requires significant thought and analysis.

When is it appropriate to use "substantive question about" in writing?

It's appropriate to use ""substantive question about"" in academic papers, formal reports, or news articles when introducing a complex topic that requires thorough examination and discussion.