the big question

USAGE SUMMARY

"the big question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular query, usually in the context of a larger discussion. For example, "We've discussed several topics today, but the big question remains: how can we increase revenue?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's the Big Question".

The New York Times - Magazine

That's the big question.

The New York Times

That is the big question.

The New York Times

This is the BIG question".

The New York Times - Science

The big question is price.

The New York Times

Ah, that's the big question.

The New Yorker

But here's the big question.

The New York Times

The big question.

The Guardian

The big question: why?

The Guardian - Tech

But the big question is, should you?

The New York Times

And that will be the big question.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the big question" to introduce a pivotal point for discussion or decision-making in your writing. It effectively signals to the reader that the following information is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "the big question" excessively. While effective, overuse can dilute its impact. Opt for more specific phrasing if the context allows for a more nuanced introduction of the question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the big question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a pivotal question or issue. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to transition into a critical point of discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the big question" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a crucial point of inquiry, as determined by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, though mindful usage prevents dilution of its impact. Alternatives such as "the key question" or "the central issue" offer nuanced options for varying formality. Ludwig examples confirm its prevalence in news, academic, and business settings, highlighting its effectiveness in focusing attention on pivotal matters. Thus, while generally correct and widely applicable, judicious use of "the big question" amplifies its potency in written and spoken discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key question

Focuses more directly on identifying the most important question among others.

the central issue

Shifts the focus to the core problem or matter needing resolution.

the main concern

Emphasizes the primary worry or area of interest.

the crucial point

Highlights a decisive or critical element.

the fundamental problem

Indicates the root or base issue.

the burning question

Highlights a question that is currently causing a lot of interest or argument.

the underlying question

Points to a deeper, less obvious inquiry.

the elephant in the room

Refers to an obvious issue that no one wants to discuss.

the million-dollar question

Denotes a particularly valuable or difficult question to answer.

the million dollar question

Implies that the question is valuable or could lead to a significant reward if answered.

FAQs

How can I use "the big question" in a sentence?

You can use "the big question" to introduce a central issue or problem that needs to be addressed. For example, "After discussing the budget, the big question is: how do we allocate resources effectively?"

What's a more formal alternative to "the big question"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the central issue", "the key question", or "the fundamental problem". These alternatives (/s/the+central+issue, /s/the+key+question, /s/the+fundamental+problem) can lend a more professional feel to your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "the big question" in academic writing?

Yes, "the big question" can be used in academic writing, but sparingly. It's best suited for introductions or conclusions where you want to emphasize the primary inquiry. Be sure the tone aligns with the overall formality of your piece.

When is it better to avoid using "the big question"?

Avoid using "the big question" when the question is not genuinely significant or when a more specific phrase would better capture the nuance of the issue. For instance, in technical contexts, it's often better to state the question directly and precisely.