the very question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific question that is being discussed or considered. Example: "This brings us to the very question of whether we should proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The very question raises suspicion".

The Economist

The very question is unfair.

The New Yorker

The very question now looks absurd.

The Economist

The very question surprises him.

The New York Times - Magazine

This claim, of course, begs the very question we face.

Cornell University

Or is the very question the stuff of yesteryear?

The New York Times - Arts

The very question is capable of causing damage".

The New York Times

That was - of course - the very question Yuien-bo struggled with.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But perhaps they might say this was the very question at issue.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Whether the class is divisible into subclass § is the very question to be answered.

Cornell University

In fact, the very question was covered in a recent Wall Street Journal article.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very question" to emphasize the core issue being discussed, particularly when introducing a critical point or challenging assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "the very question" in contexts where a simpler phrasing, like "the question", suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily emphatic or even pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very question" functions as a determiner phrase used to emphasize the significance of a particular question. It indicates that the question being posed is fundamental or crucial to the discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very question" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular question. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using "the very question", ensure that it adds genuine emphasis and avoids overuse. While there may be alternative options, using "the very question" effectively can sharpen the focus of your writing by clearly highlighting central questions and issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central question

Focuses on the main issue being addressed.

the key question

Highlights the most important question.

the fundamental question

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the question.

the crucial question

Stresses the critical importance of the question.

the essential question

Highlights the indispensable nature of the question.

the real question

Indicates the underlying or true question.

the actual question

Points to the genuine question under consideration.

the precise question

Emphasizes the exactness and accuracy of the question.

the specific question

Highlights a particular question out of many.

the core question

Focuses on the heart of the matter being questioned.

FAQs

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

Use "the very question" to highlight the central issue or point of contention. For example, "This leads us to "the very question" of whether we should proceed with the project."

What are some alternatives to using "the very question"?

You can use alternatives such as "the central question", "the key question", or "the fundamental question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "the very question" or "the main question"?

While both are correct, ""the very question"" adds emphasis. Use it when you want to draw particular attention to the significance or problematic nature of the question. If you are unsure, "the main question" is usually a safer choice.

What does "the very question begs the question" mean?

The phrase "begs the question" means that an argument assumes the conclusion it is trying to prove. So, ""the very question" begs the question" means that the central inquiry itself assumes the truth of what it is trying to determine, leading to a circular argument.