this ignores the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this ignores the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when pointing out that a statement or argument does not address the main issue or inquiry at hand. Example: "While your response is interesting, this ignores the question of how we can improve our current strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But this ignores the question of why rates are low.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And anyway, this argument ignores the question of whether the government ought to be in the business of encouraging the public to gamble as much money as possible on the remote chance of becoming obscenely rich.

The Economist

Attali ignores the question.

The Guardian - Business

(Cameron ignores the question about Juncker).

The Guardian

But it completely ignores the question of how much.

The New York Times

" Barenboim asks, Proudly Jacqueline ignores the question, changes the subject.

The Guardian - Music

She examines the packet but ignores the question.

Los Angeles Times

Giannini ignores the question altogether and defines 'investment piece' instead.

Huffington Post

Ignoring this enabled Western commentators to ignore the question of how - in order to move towards the EU - Ukraine could restrict its trading relationship with Russia without ruining its economy in the process; or, on the other hand, whether the EU would be willing to change its own rules so as to admit Ukrainian imports.

BBC

Apsan ignored the question and patiently continued: "This gets through customs, and it's dishwasher-safe," she said.

The New York Times - Style

At a certain point, it becomes impossible to ignore the question: What is Trump getting out of this?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this ignores the question", ensure that it's clear what "this" refers to. A vague "this" can confuse your reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this" to prevent ambiguity. Vary your sentence structure to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this ignores the question" functions as a critical assessment, pointing out the omission or lack of consideration of a specific query. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound for expressing oversight.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this ignores the question" is a grammatically correct expression used to point out that a statement or argument fails to address a specific query. As indicated by Ludwig, while grammatically sound and clear in intent, its frequency is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the reference of "this" is unambiguous to maintain clarity. Consider using synonyms like "this sidesteps the issue" for variety and to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this overlooks the primary issue

Highlights the act of failing to notice or consider the main issue.

this sidesteps the issue

Focuses on avoiding the central point rather than directly overlooking a question.

this fails to address the matter

Highlights the lack of engagement with the subject under consideration.

this avoids the core problem

Emphasizes avoidance of a fundamental issue, shifting the focus from a question to a problem.

this disregards the critical aspect

Emphasizes a deliberate decision to not consider a crucial element.

this misses the fundamental aspect

Points out the failure to recognize or deal with an essential part of the subject.

this evades the key point

Highlights evasion, suggesting a deliberate attempt to not confront the main subject.

this neglects the essential element

Focuses on the omission of a necessary component from consideration.

this circumvents the central inquiry

Implies a roundabout approach that avoids directly addressing the question.

this bypasses the main concern

Suggests that the most important concern is being avoided.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this ignores the question" for variety?

You can use alternatives such as "this overlooks the primary issue", "this sidesteps the issue", or "this fails to address the matter" to add nuance to your writing.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this ignores the question"?

Use "this ignores the question" when you want to point out that an argument, statement, or action does not address or consider the main issue or query at hand.

What's the difference between "this ignores the question" and "this avoids the question"?

"This ignores the question" implies a lack of attention or consideration, while "this avoids the question" suggests a deliberate attempt to not address it. The former is passive, while the latter is active. A better phrasing may be "this evades the key point".

Is "this ignores the question" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this ignores the question" is grammatically correct. The subject "this" agrees with the verb "ignores" in the present tense.