the main question is

USAGE SUMMARY

There are a few issues with the part of the sentence "the main question is." Firstly, it is grammatically correct, but it is not a complete sentence.
It is a dependent clause that needs to be followed by a main clause to make a complete sentence. For example: - The main question is, "What will we have for dinner tonight?" Secondly, it is a vague and generic statement that does not provide much information. It would be more helpful to specify what the main question is in relation to. For example: - In this essay, the main question is whether social media has a positive or negative impact on society. Overall, while "the main question is" is technically correct, it may be more effective to rephrase or add to it in order to convey a clearer and more specific message.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The main question is, Is he a martyr or not?" Nehrbass said.

The New Yorker

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

The main question is when, and how much.

The Economist

"The main question is what will happen on Tuesday.

The New York Times

The main question is: How can they even exist?

The Economist

The main question is whether these incentive effects are large.

The New York Times

The main question is where the water will come from.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main question is", ensure the question is clearly articulated and directly relevant to the surrounding context. This helps maintain focus and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the main question is" without explicitly stating the question that follows. A vague or unstated question diminishes the phrase's impact and leaves the reader unclear about the central inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main question is" serves as an introductory phrase to highlight the central point of inquiry. It sets the stage for a key question that needs to be addressed. Ludwig examples show it's often used to frame arguments or investigations. The phrase is mainly used in news, science and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main question is" is a frequently used phrase that serves to introduce the most important question related to a given topic. Grammatically correct and versatile, it appears most commonly in news, science, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase's purpose is to focus attention and structure discourse. When using this phrase, ensure the question is clear and specific to maximize its effectiveness. Alternatives like "the key issue is" or "the real question is" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the real question is

Emphasizes the authenticity and relevance of the posed question.

the key issue is

Replaces "question" with "issue", highlighting the importance of the problem under consideration.

the core issue is

Similar to "the key issue is", but implies a more deeply rooted problem.

the central concern is

Substitutes "question" with "concern", emphasizing the anxiety or worry associated with the issue.

the primary focus is

Shifts from inquiry to emphasis, indicating the main area of attention.

the crucial point is

Replaces "question" with "point", focusing on a specific aspect of importance.

the essential inquiry is

Replaces "question" with "inquiry", suggesting a more formal or academic investigation.

the fundamental problem is

Highlights the root cause or underlying issue.

the biggest challenge is

Focuses on the difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome.

what matters most is

Shifts the focus to the most significant aspect or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "the main question is" effectively in a sentence?

Ensure that the question following "the main question is" is clear and directly relevant to your topic. This phrase introduces the core inquiry, so make it count. For example: "The main question is, what are the long-term effects of this policy?"

What are some alternatives to "the main question is"?

Consider using phrases like "the key issue is", "the central concern is", or "the primary focus is" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "the main question is"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct as long as it's followed by a complete question or a clause that clearly indicates the question being posed. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness.

What's the difference between "the main question is" and "the real question is"?

While both phrases introduce a central inquiry, "the real question is" emphasizes the authenticity or underlying importance of the question, suggesting that other questions might be superficial or misleading.