the relevant question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the relevant question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that is pertinent or significant to the topic being discussed. Example: "In this debate, the relevant question is whether we should prioritize economic growth over environmental protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The relevant question is not who died.

The New Yorker

"The relevant question becomes: which is cheaper?

The New York Times

The relevant question isn't Ryan or nothing.

The Washington Post

"The relevant question now is: what do we do now going forward?

The New York Times

What the President knew and when he knew it may not be the relevant question, however.

The New Yorker

The relevant question is how much of a return women have gotten on their education.

The New York Times

Rather, the relevant question is whether the entity retains "all necessary control" over the worker's performance.

Harvard University

Hence the relevant question in Aronson and other cases is: when is demand "futile"?

Harvard University

The relevant question here seems to be: should Americans become complacent in the face of terrorism?

The Economist

And he asked the relevant question: what do you do when you grow out of youth rebellion?

The Guardian - Music

The relevant question was what percentage of all battered women who are murdered are killed by their abusers.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "the relevant question", consider using a signal phrase that sets the context for the inquiry. For example, "Therefore, the relevant question is..." or "The relevant question, then, becomes..."

Common error

Avoid framing a question as "the relevant question" if it only addresses a tangential aspect of the topic. Ensure it truly gets to the heart of the matter to prevent confusion or misdirection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the relevant question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a question considered most important or pertinent in a given context. According to Ludwig, it is often used to direct the focus of a discussion or analysis towards a specific inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the relevant question" serves to emphasize the importance of a specific inquiry in a given context. As Ludwig confirms, it is deemed grammatically correct and widely used across diverse domains, particularly in news, academic, and scientific spheres. To enhance clarity in your writing, ensure the identified question truly addresses the core issue. Alternatives include "the key question" or "the pertinent question", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. This phrase, as supported by numerous examples found through Ludwig, aids in focusing discussions and analyses effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key question

Focuses on the central importance of the question.

the crucial question

Emphasizes the critical nature of the question.

the pertinent question

Highlights the direct relevance of the question to the matter at hand.

the central question

Underscores the question's position as the core issue.

the important question

Stresses the significance of the question.

the significant question

Emphasizes the notable impact or consequence of the question.

the critical question

Highlights the decisive or crucial nature of the question.

the essential question

Indicates the fundamental or indispensable nature of the question.

the main issue

Shifts the focus to the primary problem or point of discussion.

the central issue

Highlights the core problem to be considered.

FAQs

How do I use "the relevant question" in a sentence?

Use "the relevant question" to introduce a key question related to the topic. For instance, "The study explores various factors, but "the relevant question" is whether these factors significantly impact the outcome."

What are some alternatives to "the relevant question"?

You can use alternatives like "the key question", "the pertinent question", or "the central issue" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "relevant question" or "the relevant question"?

Using "the relevant question" is generally preferred as it refers to a specific question within the given context, whereas "relevant question" is more generic.

How does "the relevant question" differ from "an important question"?

"The relevant question" specifically addresses the central point in a discussion or analysis, while "an important question" simply indicates a question of significance. For example, one might ask "an important question" about budget allocations, but "the relevant question" is whether the budget aligns with strategic goals.