the general question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the general question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or overarching inquiry that encompasses various aspects of a topic. Example: "Before we dive into specifics, let's address the general question of how climate change affects global ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The general question is simple.

The New York Times

"This adds to the general question of how the company is being run".

The New York Times

The general question of error in measurement raises the topic of measurement theory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I will say that on the general question of AQAP, we will continue to apply pressure".

The Guardian

A simple yes or no to the general question would have sufficed.

The New York Times - Sports

The general question of whether FiveThirtyEight ought to be better than prediction and betting markets is an interesting one.

The New York Times

Here are some reflections on the general question of the role of religion in our political life.

The New York Times

The general question of the relationship between science and society is currently very high on the government's agenda.

The Guardian

So in most schools, the general question we face is whether to move towards selection or away from it.

The Guardian

"The general question is, have you taken sufficient write-downs?" said Michael Mayo, an analyst with Deutsche Bank.

The New York Times

"Can filmmakers show poverty without shaming the people we portray?" she asks, raising the general question of exploitation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex topic, begin with "the general question" to set the stage for a broader understanding before diving into specific details. This helps the audience grasp the overall context.

Common error

Avoid using "the general question" when you actually need to address a very specific aspect of a topic. Make sure the question truly is broad and overarching to justify the adjective 'general'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the general question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a broad topic or inquiry. It sets the stage for a discussion or exploration of various aspects related to the subject, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the general question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to introduce a broad topic or inquiry. As Ludwig's examples show, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. It sets the stage for discussion by providing a context before diving into specifics. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, suggesting that it is a reliable and effective way to frame broad discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the overarching question

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the inquiry, suggesting it covers all aspects.

the broad question

Highlights the extensive scope of the question, indicating it's not limited to specifics.

the main question

Focuses on the central importance of the inquiry, suggesting it's the primary issue.

the key question

Indicates that the question is crucial and essential to understanding the topic.

the fundamental question

Stresses the foundational nature of the inquiry, implying it's a basic principle.

the central inquiry

Highlights the core focus of the investigation or discussion.

the overall issue

Shifts the focus from a question to the broader problem or concern being addressed.

the basic premise

Emphasizes the underlying assumption or starting point of the discussion.

the underlying problem

Focuses on the root cause or hidden issue that needs to be addressed.

the primary concern

Highlights the main worry or point of interest in the context.

FAQs

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

Use "the general question" to introduce a broad topic before narrowing down to specifics. For example, "The general question of climate change impacts various sectors of the economy".

What are some alternatives to "the general question"?

You can use alternatives like "the overarching question", "the main question", or "the fundamental question" depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate to use "the general question" when you want to introduce a topic broadly, setting the context before delving into more specific details or related inquiries.

Is there a difference between "the general question" and "the specific question"?

"The general question" refers to a broad inquiry encompassing various aspects of a topic, while "the specific question" focuses on a particular detail or aspect within that broader topic. Using both helps structure discussions from broad context to specific details.