this raises the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this raises the question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a question or wonder about something. For example, "When it comes to voting, this raises the question: who should be allowed to participate?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This raises the question of intent.

The New Yorker

this raises the question of 2017.

The Guardian

This raises the question: who sets the public agenda?

Public Relations Review

This raises the question: Can a growth mindset be instilled?

Stanford University

And this raises the question: what does it mean?

Yale University

This raises the question, what impact does video have?

University of California, Berkeley

This raises the question of whether torture works.

The New Yorker

This raises the question: to chop or not to chop?

The New York Times - Food

But this raises the question: How fat is your mother?

The New Yorker

And this raises the question of free choice.

The New York Times

All this raises the question: what is China's game?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the question you raise is genuinely relevant to the preceding context. Avoid using the phrase as a mere transition or to introduce unrelated topics.

Common error

Avoid using "this raises the question" simply as a filler phrase. Ensure the question you introduce is substantive and contributes to the overall discussion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this raises the question" is to act as a transitional phrase that introduces a question logically following a preceding statement or situation. Ludwig AI validates the broad usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this raises the question" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to introduce a relevant question following a statement or observation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, including news media, academia, and science. While suitable for various registers, it is particularly effective in formal and neutral settings. For alternatives, consider phrases like "this begs the question" or "this leads to the question", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using it as a filler and ensure the question genuinely contributes to the discussion. This is a handy tool to have in your writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this begs the question

Uses "begs" instead of "raises", implying the question is already present in the premise.

this leads to the question

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the inquiry, suggesting the question arises as a consequence.

this prompts the question

Highlights the stimulus aspect, suggesting the question is triggered by the preceding statement.

this gives rise to the question

Focuses on the emergence of the question as a natural outcome.

this poses the question

Similar to "raises", but with a slightly more formal tone.

the question that arises is

Inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the question itself.

it raises the issue of

Broadens the scope from a specific question to a general issue.

a question that needs to be asked is

Highlights the necessity of asking the question.

this brings up the question

Uses "brings up" instead of "raises", suggesting surfacing a latent question.

it would seem logical to ask

Emphasizes the logical progression to the question, rather than directly raising it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this raises the question" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "this poses the question" or "the foregoing discussion prompts the inquiry of".

What's a more concise alternative to "this raises the question"?

A more concise option is "this begs the question", but be mindful of its specific implication that the question is based on an assumption.

Is "this raises a question" grammatically correct?

While grammatically sound, "this raises a question" is less common than "this raises the question". The definite article "the" implies a specific, relevant question.

In what contexts should I avoid using "this raises the question"?

Avoid using "this raises the question" in contexts where the question is already explicitly stated or strongly implied. It's best used to introduce a new, related line of inquiry.