this begs the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this begs the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when one question logically leads to another question. For example, "She always makes time to go shopping; this begs the question whether she has a secret source of income."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This begs the question: why then?

The New York Times - Arts

This begs the question: who are The Attractions?

Independent

This begs the question of our immigration system.

The Economist

All of this begs the question: what about iOS?

The Guardian - Tech

This begs the question of whether we need gay publishers.

The Guardian - Books

This begs the question, why is NHS England doing this?

The Guardian

But this begs the question: why is the savings and pension industry so complex?

The Economist

This begs the question as to what will happen when the other humans have gone home.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All this begs the question.

Forbes

But this begs the question: Why Berlin?

TechCrunch

This begs the question of who really was on trial.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this begs the question" to smoothly introduce a follow-up question that is directly and logically related to the preceding statement or situation. Make sure the connection is clear for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "this begs the question" when you simply want to introduce a new topic or thought that is not directly related to what was previously stated. The phrase implies a direct, logical consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this begs the question" functions as a transitional expression. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces a question that logically follows from the preceding statement, prompting further inquiry or reflection. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this begs the question" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a question that logically follows from a previous statement. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a transitional phrase, inviting further inquiry or reflection. As evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig, the expression is versatile and appropriate in news, scientific writing, and more general contexts. When using this phrase, ensure a clear, logical connection between the statement and the subsequent question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this raises the issue

Focuses on introducing a relevant problem or subject for consideration.

this leads one to wonder

Highlights the speculative nature of the question, suggesting curiosity.

this prompts the inquiry

Emphasizes a formal or structured line of questioning.

this invites the consideration

Suggests a call to careful thought or evaluation of a topic.

this gives rise to the query

Focuses on the origin of the question, its emergence from the current context.

this provokes the thought

Emphasizes the stimulating aspect of the preceding statement or situation, triggering contemplation.

this poses a dilemma

Highlights a situation with difficult choices or conflicting considerations.

this suggests an alternative interpretation

Focuses on the possibility of another way of understanding the facts.

this demands an explanation

Emphasizes the need for clarification or justification.

the logical question is

Indicates a question that naturally follows from the prior information and is inherently reasonable.

FAQs

How do I use "this begs the question" in a sentence?

Use "this begs the question" to introduce a question that naturally arises from the preceding statement or situation. For example, "The company's profits have doubled; this begs the question: how sustainable is this growth?"

What does "this begs the question" mean?

"This begs the question" means that a statement naturally leads to a specific question. It indicates that the question is an obvious or logical follow-up to what has just been said.

What can I say instead of "this begs the question"?

You can use alternatives like "this raises the issue", "this leads one to wonder", or "this prompts the inquiry" depending on the context.

Is "this begs the question" an informal or formal expression?

"This begs the question" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.