that very question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that very question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer specifically to a question that has just been mentioned or is being discussed, often to emphasize its importance or relevance. Example: "When considering the implications of climate change, we must address that very question of how it affects future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suspect that the producers asked themselves that very question before announcing the postponement.

The New York Times

Earlier in the night I asked an Obama supporter that very question.

The Economist

Many people are undoubtedly asking that very question as they sniffle and sneeze through the winter.

The New York Times

A. George W. Bush was asked that very question last week.

The New York Times

I found myself contemplating that very question and came up with these men.

The Guardian - Sport

When I was young, I asked my parents and some of the village graybeards that very question.

The New Yorker

Professors at the LSE were asked that very question by the Queen – and were too tongue-tied to reply.

The Guardian - Opinion

Inspector Sabau found the topic incriminating, but many Zimbabweans have been asking themselves that very question as democratic revolutions have swept Arab nations.

The New York Times

And when asked that very question by the draft board, I said, "No, I could kill some people, but they're all here in Detroit".

The New Yorker

We asked Kim that very question.

TechCrunch

My hunch is that rich people and institutions around the world are asking that very question.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context makes it clear which question you're referring to. Ambiguity can weaken the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "that very question" if it's not immediately clear what question you're referring to. Ensure there is a clear and recent antecedent to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that very question" functions as a demonstrative phrase, specifically pointing to a question that has been previously mentioned or is immediately apparent within the context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. The use of "very" emphasizes the specific nature of the question being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that very question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used demonstrative phrase that emphasizes the significance and relevance of a specific question. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples highlight its prevalence in various sources, especially in News & Media. When writing, remember to use it when you want to emphasize that you are addressing a particular question and to ensure that the context clearly indicates which question you're referring to. While Ludwig offers many examples, be certain that the question you intend is in fact clear to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that precise question

Emphasizes the exactness of the question being referred to.

that particular question

Similar to 'specific question', emphasizes the unique nature.

the specific question

Highlights the particular nature of the inquiry.

the central question

Highlights the importance of the question as a core concern.

the key question

Emphasizes the question's importance in unlocking understanding or solutions.

the question itself

Focuses on the question as a topic of discussion, less emphatic than the original.

the aforementioned question

More formal, referring back to a question already stated.

the very inquiry

A more formal way to reference the question, using a synonym for 'question'.

that exact query

Uses a different word for 'question', implying a formal request for information.

the issue at hand

Shifts focus from the question itself to the broader issue it represents.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that very question" for a more formal tone?

In a formal context, you can use alternatives like "the aforementioned question", "that specific question", or "the "precise question"".

What does "that very question" emphasize in a sentence?

The phrase emphasizes the direct relevance and importance of a previously mentioned question. It highlights that the question is the exact one being addressed.

Is there a difference between "that question" and "that very question"?

"That question" simply refers to a question. "That very question" adds emphasis, underscoring that it is precisely the question under consideration and is often used to express surprise or significance.

How to use "that very question" in a sentence?

For example, you might say, "Many have wondered about the future of AI. We must address "that very issue". Specifically, how can humans co-exist with AI?"