this very question

USAGE SUMMARY

"this very question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a question that was previously asked, or to describe a question that is important or relevant. For example, "This very question has been debated for hundreds of years: should humans explore other planets?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Palin family found themselves facing this very question this week.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Does this very question raise your hackles?

The New York Times - Tech

He'd prepared a slide to deal with this very question.

The New Yorker

I mean, what was more litigated than this very question?

The New York Times

I just did a blog post on this very question.

The New Yorker

In Educational Goods, two philosophers and two social scientists address this very question.

Stanford University

Several studies have tried to answer this very question with varying results.

Harvard University

This week a federal appellate court will hear arguments in a case involving this very question.

The New York Times

The new canine science is trying to answer this very question.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We had a war about this very question--who is an American?

Huffington Post

In his Treatise on Human Nature, David Hume discusses this very question.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this very question" to clearly refer back to a specific query that has already been mentioned in the text or conversation. It adds emphasis and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this very question" when a simpler reference like "this question" or "the question" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very question" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically highlighting and emphasizing a particular question that has been previously mentioned or is the central focus of a discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this very question" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a specific question. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, although it should be employed judiciously to avoid redundancy. The phrase is most common in news, academic, and formal settings. Alternatives such as "the question at hand" or "the aforementioned question" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to use it to add emphasis and clarity, ensuring your writing remains concise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central question

Highlights the core or most important aspect of the inquiry.

the key question

Similar to "the central question" but slightly less formal.

the aforementioned question

More formal and explicitly refers to a question previously mentioned.

the question at hand

More formal and emphasizes the immediate relevance of the question.

the specific question

Emphasizes the exactness and detail of the inquiry.

the precise question

Stresses the accuracy and clarity of the question.

the issue in question

Highlights the problematic or debatable nature of the topic.

the matter under consideration

Suggests a more deliberative and thoughtful approach.

the point being raised

Focuses on the act of bringing up the question rather than the question itself.

the topic in discussion

Broadens the scope to the general subject being discussed, not just a single question.

FAQs

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

You can use "this very question" to refer back to a question previously mentioned, emphasizing its importance. For example, "The study aimed to address "this very question": Does social media affect mental health?"

What phrases can I use instead of "this very question"?

Alternatives include "the question at hand", "the issue in question", or "the aforementioned question". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "this very question"?

While "this very question" can add emphasis, it can also be redundant if the context already makes it clear which question you're referring to. Consider whether "this question" would be sufficient.

What's the difference between "this question" and "this very question"?

"This question" is a general reference to a question being discussed. "This very question" emphasizes the specific question under consideration, often highlighting its importance or relevance.