the main question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the main question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a key question in a discussion or debate. For example, "The main question we must answer is: how can we make sure everyone has access to clean water?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That is the main question.

The New York Times

Scale is really the main question here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The main question surrounds Diego Costa's fitness.

The Guardian - Sport

The main question remaining is the timing.

The Guardian

The main question is up front.

The Guardian - Sport

But the main question is, Now what?

The New York Times

But the main question is aimed at the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

The main question is whether coolers will be a fad.

The New York Times

"The main question is what happened during its formation".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The main question, the intrigue, is not in divorce.

The New York Times

Now, the main question is... for how long?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main question", ensure it clearly identifies the central issue requiring resolution or consideration. Frame it concisely to guide the discussion effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "the main question" without a clearly defined question following it. Ensure clarity and specificity to prevent ambiguity and keep the focus sharp.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the central inquiry or issue under consideration in a discussion, analysis, or argument. Ludwig provides examples from diverse contexts illustrating its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to highlight the primary inquiry within a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Its broad applicability across news, academic, and scientific contexts underscores its versatility. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it's crucial to define the question clearly to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "the central issue" or "the key question" for nuanced emphasis. Overall, mastering the use of "the main question" enhances clarity and focus in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key question

Emphasizes the importance of the question being posed.

the significant question

Stresses that the posed question is of great importance or consequence.

the pivotal question

Underlines that the posed question will have a great impact.

the central issue

Focuses on the issue rather than framing it as a question.

the overriding issue

Emphasizes that the problem is more important than other related issues.

the primary concern

Highlights the worry or point of focus.

the core problem

Highlights that the problem is the central element or focus of a matter.

the fundamental problem

Points to an underlying problem needing resolution.

the critical inquiry

Stresses the need for careful investigation.

the essential query

Highlights the absolute necessity of the question.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the main question"?

You can use alternatives such as "the central issue", "the key question", or "the primary concern" depending on the specific context.

Is "the main question" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "the main question" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to introduce the most important question or issue under discussion. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "the principal question".

What's the difference between "the main question" and "the only question"?

"The main question" implies there might be other questions, but one is of primary importance. "The only question" suggests that no other questions are relevant or need answering, which may be an overstatement. Therefore, using the most suitable is important depending on the context.

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

You can use "the main question" to introduce the most important inquiry in a discussion or argument. For example, "The success of the project relies on correctly answering the main question: "can we do it"?"