the only question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing that there is a single question that needs to be addressed or considered in a discussion or situation. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, the only question that remains is whether we can trust his testimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only question is when.

The New York Times

The only question was how.

The New York Times - Sports

That's the only question.

The Guardian - Music

The only question is in which direction".

The New York Times

The only question is how far.

The New Yorker

The only question was how quickly".

The New York Times

The only question it raises concerns supplies.

The New York Times - Arts

The only question has been when.

The New York Times

The only question is precisely when.

The New York Times

The only question is when, not if.

The New York Times

That's the only question we have.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the only question" to clearly and concisely focus the reader's attention on the most important issue at hand. It's effective for summarizing complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "the only question" when multiple factors are clearly relevant. This phrase can create a false dichotomy if the situation is nuanced or multifaceted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only question" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific question as the sole point of inquiry. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Arts

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize a singular, critical issue. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to ensure its usage doesn't oversimplify complex situations. Alternatives like "the sole question" or "the central question" can offer nuanced emphasis, but "the only question" remains a potent way to focus attention on the most important aspect of a discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole question

Replaces 'only' with 'sole', emphasizing the singularity of the question.

the central question

Highlights the question's importance as the core issue.

the key question

Focuses on the question's significance in unlocking understanding.

the main question

Indicates the question is the most important one to consider.

the remaining question

Emphasizes that this is the question left unanswered.

the real question

Suggests that other questions are less relevant or genuine.

the fundamental question

Indicates the question addresses a basic or essential aspect.

the critical question

Highlights the question's importance in decision-making.

the pertinent question

Emphasizes the question's relevance to the current situation.

the overriding question

Suggests the question takes precedence over all others.

FAQs

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

You can use "the only question" to emphasize the single most important issue. For example, "After considering all aspects, the only question is whether we can afford it."

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

Alternatives include "the sole question", "the main question", or "the central question", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "the only question"?

While grammatically correct, using "the only question" may be inappropriate if the issue is complex and involves multiple considerations. Ensure it accurately reflects the situation to avoid oversimplification.

What's the difference between "the only question" and "a key question"?

"The only question" implies there is one single question of importance. "A key question" suggests the existence of other important questions, but highlights one as particularly significant.