the prior question

USAGE SUMMARY

'the prior question' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a question or issue that was discussed or brought up earlier in the conversation or context. For example: "I think we should move on to the next topic, but I'd like to get an answer to the prior question first."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Locke pointed out that, before they could make progress, they would need to consider the prior question of what the human mind is (and is not) capable of comprehending.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Politics interrogates the great thinkers in the tradition and presents their varied answers to what is the best form of government (although, some like Marx, avoid giving an answer), as well as to the prior question of whether it is possible or desirable for human beings to govern themselves.

Independent

The prior question is: for whom are triptans indicated?

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Now, if the prior question was near and dear to your hearts, this must be very near and dear to your hearts, because it affects your wallets.

Forbes

Lewis writes: "I am concerned with the prior question of what it is to be one of the causes (unselectively speaking).

SEP

Anderson does not consider this question per se, but instead analyzes the prior question of the rational construction of belief and the production of knowledge.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Why and how the parameters vary with other soil properties such as substrate availability, microbial diversity and community composition, and the structural and functional properties of plant communities are the prior questions towards a better understanding to the mechanisms underlying the R h responses to climate changes.

Ecological Processes

After we solve the prior questions, our approach might be more helpful in clarifying the core genes or genetic events that can be essential in therapeutic applications.

BMC Systems Biology

A former smoker was a 'Yes' responder to at least one of the prior questions who also reported that he or she had not smoked or used tobacco in the past 12 months.

BMJ Open

One reason the UN allotted about half the land to the Jews, even though they made up only a third of the population, was precisely to make room for the influx from Europe.If partition was a pragmatic response to the reality of the time, a prior question is: by what right did the 600,000 or so Jews of mandatory Palestine come to be there in the first place?

The Economist

Political liberalism answers the conceptually prior questions of legitimacy and stability, so fixing the context and starting points for justice as fairness.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the prior question" to ensure a logical flow in your arguments or discussions. Introducing it clearly indicates a foundational issue that needs resolution before moving forward.

Common error

Avoid using "the prior question" when you actually mean "the next question" or "a related question". Make sure it truly refers to a question that precedes the current topic and requires answering first.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the prior question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a clause. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It identifies a specific question that precedes another in sequence or importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

21%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the prior question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to emphasize a foundational inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news media, it sets a logical framework for discussions by highlighting issues that must be resolved first. When using the phrase, ensure that it truly represents a preceding question crucial for the subsequent topic. The related phrases like "the preceding question" or "the underlying question" can be alternatives if the nuance fits better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding question

Replaces "prior" with "preceding", emphasizing the temporal order of the question.

the initial question

Focuses on the question being the first or starting point of an inquiry.

the preliminary question

Suggests the question is an early step in a more extensive investigation.

the underlying question

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the question as a basis for further discussion.

the fundamental question

Highlights the importance of the question as essential to the matter at hand.

the primary question

Focuses on the question being the most important or significant one.

the original question

Highlights that the question was the first one asked or considered.

the earlier question

Simply points to a question asked at an earlier time.

the initial inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal term, "inquiry".

the baseline question

Suggests the question establishes a basic level of understanding before proceeding.

FAQs

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

You can use "the prior question" to introduce a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed before moving on to subsequent topics. For example: "Before discussing the budget, we need to address "the prior question" of funding sources."

What's a good alternative to "the prior question"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the preceding question", "the initial question", or "the underlying question".

Is it ever incorrect to use "the prior question"?

While grammatically correct, using "the prior question" might be misleading if it doesn't truly represent a question that logically precedes and influences the current discussion. Ensure clarity in its application.

What's the difference between "the prior question" and "a related question"?

"The prior question" specifically refers to an issue that must be settled before the current one can be properly addressed. "A related question", on the other hand, is simply connected or relevant to the current topic, without necessarily needing to be resolved first.