the final question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the final question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the last question in a series or discussion, often in a formal or structured context. Example: "Before we conclude the meeting, I would like to pose the final question regarding our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so to the final question.

Independent

Now to the final question.

The New York Times

We made our way to the final question.

The New Yorker

My final question is, I suppose, the final question.

Independent

HOLT: We have to move on to the final question.

The Washington Post

But the final question is about space policy.

The Guardian

On Monday, the final question concerned Trump's promised border wall.

The New Yorker

The final question was more of an outburst.

The Guardian - Opinion

The final question was about the distributional analysis.

The Guardian

And that was the final question of the session.

The Guardian

The final question is, who should launch the air strikes?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "the final question" in a presentation or debate, ensure it succinctly encapsulates the core issue or desired outcome of the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "the final question" when it's not genuinely the last question. Prematurely labeling a question as final can prematurely shut down potentially valuable discussion or inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the final question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the last question in a sequence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and commonly used to denote the concluding inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the final question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that identifies the last question in a sequence, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and signals the conclusion of a discussion. Its register is generally neutral, finding common usage in news, media, science, and business. While various synonyms exist, such as "the last question" and "the concluding question", the key is to use the phrase accurately and avoid prematurely labeling a question as final. With its frequent use and clear purpose, "the final question" remains a valuable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The last question

This is a straightforward substitution, replacing 'final' with 'last' while maintaining the same meaning.

The concluding question

This alternative uses 'concluding' to emphasize the end or termination aspect, similar to 'final'.

The closing question

Uses 'closing' to highlight the act of bringing something to an end, similar to 'concluding'.

The last inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', providing a slightly more formal tone.

The terminal question

This alternative emphasizes the end point.

The ultimate question

This phrase implies the most important or fundamental question, adding a layer of significance.

The decisive question

This suggests that the question is critical for making a decision or reaching a conclusion.

The culminating question

This option emphasizes that the question is the high point or culmination of a discussion.

The key question

This focuses on the essential or crucial nature of the question, rather than its position in a sequence.

The end question

A simpler, more direct way to phrase the concept, albeit slightly less formal.

FAQs

How to use "the final question" in a sentence?

You can use "the final question" to introduce the last inquiry in a series of questions. For example, "Before we wrap up this interview, let's address "the final question" about your long-term goals".

What can I say instead of "the final question"?

You can use alternatives like "the last question", "the concluding question", or "the ultimate question" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the final question"?

It's appropriate when you are genuinely at the end of a series of questions or a discussion and want to signal that this is the last inquiry. Ensure it logically concludes the topic at hand.

Is "the final question" formal or informal?

"The final question" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might include "the concluding inquiry".