sustained question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a question that is maintained or continued over a period of time, often in discussions or inquiries. Example: "The researcher posed a sustained question about the impact of climate change on biodiversity throughout the seminar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For the first time since the Republican primaries, Mr. Bush held a sustained question and answer session with voters, running longer than some recent campaign events.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For Mr. Bush, who has faced sustained questions about his inexperience in foreign affairs, the hourlong session with the Russian, Igor S. Ivanov, was his second venture into the field this week.

The New York Times

Stuart Lancaster cannot be entirely blamed for the last of those unhappy statistics but, after Saturday's 31-28 defeat by the Springboks, his near three-year reign as England coach is facing its first serious and sustained questions.

BBC

The teacher's role in this activity should be minimal, only using focusing or sustaining questions to maintain the flow of the activity….

Functional Linguistics

The teacher's role in this activity should be minimal, only using focusing or sustaining questions to maintain the flow of the activity… 'In the second activity, storytelling, the children will have to show a knowledge of narrative structure and the ability to create logical story segments.

Functional Linguistics

Given all the concussions and other serious injuries he has sustained, the question remains whether Lindros can play his old brute-force style over an entire season.

The New York Times - Sports

Martin's art sustains that question, an American preoccupation since the New England transcendentalists, which became newly acute, in art, with Rothko, Newman, and Reinhardt.

The New Yorker

Three of her 10 selections in 1997 were children's books by Bill Cosby, which should in itself sustain the question of her value as a national educator.

The New York Times - Arts

And somehow Ms. Truscott keeps her hourlong piece tenuously yoked together — possibly by sustaining the question of whether it is funny — through bizarre, unlinked sequences.

The New York Times - Arts

How long this pace, which is modest for a museum of the Louvre's size, can be sustained is the question that haunts Mr. Loyrette and the curators.

The New York Times - Arts

Sustaining these questions is my list of 10 books – some fact, some myth, and some both – that may help to navigate these murky waters.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sustained question", ensure the context clearly indicates that the question has been raised or considered over a notable period or with significant intensity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "sustained question" implies the question has been successfully answered. It simply means the question has persisted or received continued attention. The answer might still be elusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sustained" modifies the noun "question". It describes a query or issue that has been raised and maintained over a period of time, requiring continuous consideration or attention. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a question that has persisted over time or required continuous attention. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the ongoing nature of the question, and avoid confusing it with the legal term "sustained", as in a sustained objection. Consider alternatives like "prolonged inquiry" or "ongoing inquiry" to fine-tune the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustained inquiry

A formal variation, emphasizing the continuation and depth of the investigation.

prolonged inquiry

Focuses on the length of the questioning process rather than the nature of the question itself.

ongoing inquiry

Highlights the continuous nature of the investigation or questioning.

persistent questioning

Emphasizes the repetitive or determined aspect of asking questions.

continuous questioning

Highlights the uninterrupted flow of questions.

enduring question

Focuses on the lasting relevance or importance of the question.

repeated question

Stresses the recurrence of the same question being asked.

unrelenting questioning

Highlights the intense and possibly forceful nature of the questioning.

long-term investigation

Shifts focus to a broader investigation where questioning is just one component.

extended deliberation

Emphasizes the thoroughness and length of the process of considering a question.

FAQs

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

You can use "sustained question" to describe a question that has been asked repeatedly or considered over a long period, as in "The project faced a "sustained question" regarding its funding sources".

What are some alternatives to "sustained question"?

Alternatives include "prolonged inquiry", "ongoing inquiry", or "persistent questioning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a question was sustained"?

The phrase "a question was sustained" has a different meaning. In a legal context, it means a judge has agreed with an objection to a question, preventing it from being answered.

What's the difference between "sustained question" and "a question that is sustained"?

"Sustained question" refers to a question that has persisted or been continually considered. "A question that is sustained" typically refers to a legal context where an objection to a question is upheld in court.