this invites the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this invites the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a statement or situation raises a question that needs to be addressed or considered. Example: "The recent changes in policy are significant; this invites the question of how they will affect employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

All this invites the question: are Australia playing games themselves?

The Guardian - Sport

This invites the question what, if anything, he did to express his strong disagreement.

The New York Times

In the hands of Mr Johnson, a promiscuous flip-flopper himself, this invites the question of whether such maverick behaviour would be tolerable today, with the parliamentary system at its weakest in decades.

The Economist

This invites the question: does physical science provide demonstrations in this sense?

SEP

This invites the question whether there are cogent arguments for this assumption.

SEP

This invites the question: What were those effects, and how might they have shaped female psychology?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Like all articles about climbing Mount Everest, this one invites the question of why we stigmatize some forms of risky self-indulgence but not others.

The New York Times

This invites the obvious question as to when they stopped being wrong about their assessment of the economy?

Huffington Post

In this political atmosphere, the inauguration of the United Nations Special Courtt for Lebanon on 1 March invites the question: will this tribunal help turn a new page?

The Guardian - Opinion

It then invites the question: is this alternative to divestment scientifically credible?

The Guardian - Opinion

Nonetheless, the handover to a new ruler in Saudi Arabia inevitably invites the question: will this approach change?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this invites the question" to smoothly transition into a critical inquiry after presenting a statement or observation. It helps signal that you're about to delve deeper into an unresolved aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "this invites the question" when you're about to make a statement rather than pose a genuine query. This phrase is most effective when a real question follows, not a disguised assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this invites the question" functions as a transitional device, specifically to introduce a question that arises logically from the preceding context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signals a shift from a statement of fact or observation to a query that demands further consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this invites the question" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a question that logically follows a statement, observation, or situation. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and commonly used across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. While variations exist, understanding its function and communicative purpose can enhance clarity and engagement in your writing. By using this phrase judiciously, writers can effectively guide their audience towards deeper analysis and critical thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this raises the issue

Replaces "invites the question" with "raises the issue", focusing on a problem or point of debate rather than a direct question.

this begs the question

Uses "begs the question" which implies the statement assumes the very point it's trying to prove, a nuance not present in the original.

this prompts the inquiry

Substitutes "invites the question" with "prompts the inquiry", using a more formal vocabulary.

this leads us to ask

Changes the structure to a more direct invitation to questioning, personifying the leading.

this gives rise to the question

Emphasizes the origination of the question from the preceding statement.

this suggests the query

Replaces "invites the question" with "suggests the query", which is a slightly more formal alternative.

this opens up the matter of

Shifts the focus from a specific question to a broader matter or subject.

this creates doubt about

Highlights the uncertainty or skepticism arising from the statement.

this forces one to consider

Emphasizes the obligatory nature of the consideration, implying a compelling reason to think about something.

the foregoing discussion calls for further investigation of

Introduces a need for more researches due to the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "this invites the question" in a sentence?

Use "this invites the question" to introduce a logical question that arises from a preceding statement or situation. For example, "The company's profits have doubled this year; this invites the question of whether employees will receive bonuses."

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

You can use alternatives like "this raises the question", "this prompts the inquiry", or "this leads us to ask" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "this invites a question" instead of "this invites the question"?

While "this invites a question" is grammatically correct, "this invites the question" is more common and often preferred, especially in formal writing, as it suggests a specific, logical question rather than just any question.

What's the difference between "this begs the question" and "this invites the question"?

"This begs the question" often implies a logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premise. "This invites the question" simply means that the preceding information naturally leads to a specific question.