topical question

USAGE SUMMARY

"topical question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a question that is relevant or currently being discussed in a particular context or field of interest. Example: "During the press conference, the journalist asked a topical question about the recent changes in immigration policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Then there is the topical question of the eyebrows.

The Guardian - Books

Tony Roche's unexpectedly tender script for this series last raised another topical question.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is a highly topical question, and in this timely book Robert Winder provides a wealth of background information to try to reassure contemporary alarmists.

The Guardian - Books

During the meal, the president would single out each guest by asking a searing, usually topical, question related to the guest's field.

The New York Times

WHY indeed whether great art and great architecture flourish together in particular cities at particular times is obviously a topical question.

The Economist

Soon after, Verhoeven ended the project, but not before unwittingly posing a topical question: in a 24/7 surveillance society, where omniscience isn't just God's thing, what should be private?

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The Module II post-test included 94 topical questions from all of the five topics covered throughout Module I and II and was administered at the end of the training intervention.

BMC Medical Education

Mr. Connelly pauses occasionally to debate topical questions.

The New York Times - Books

But here I'd like to see room for topical questions too".

The Guardian

Then we came to topical questions, and the Speaker pointed out that questions and answers should be snappy.

The Guardian

In addressing that issue, Yergin takes on a myriad of other topical questions: Are we running out of oil?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "topical question", ensure the context makes it clear why the question is considered current or relevant. Provide background information or connect it to recent events.

Common error

Avoid using "topical question" for questions that are eternally relevant or philosophical. Reserve it for issues that are currently being discussed or debated in society or a specific field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topical question" functions as a noun phrase, where "topical" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "question". It identifies a question that is currently relevant or under discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62.5%

Science

31.25%

Wiki

6.25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topical question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively denotes a question that is currently relevant or under discussion. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure that the context clearly indicates the question's current importance. Alternatives like "current question" or "relevant question" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the question's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current question

Replaces "topical" with "current", emphasizing the question's present relevance.

relevant question

Substitutes "topical" with "relevant", highlighting the question's pertinence to the matter at hand.

pertinent question

Uses "pertinent" instead of "topical", indicating a question that is directly related to the subject.

pressing question

Replaces "topical" with "pressing", suggesting a question that demands immediate attention.

hot question

Uses "hot" to indicate a question that is currently generating a lot of interest or debate.

key question

Substitutes "topical" with "key", highlighting the importance of the question.

important question

Uses "important" instead of "topical", stressing the significance of the question.

urgent question

Replaces "topical" with "urgent", conveying that the question needs to be addressed quickly.

pivotal question

Substitutes "topical" with "pivotal", suggesting a question that is crucial or decisive.

central question

Uses "central" instead of "topical", indicating that the question is at the heart of the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "topical question" in a sentence?

You can use "topical question" to describe a question that is relevant and being discussed. For instance, "The politician avoided answering the "topical question" about the new economic policy".

What can I say instead of "topical question"?

You can use alternatives like "current question", "relevant question", or "pressing question" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "topical question" and "relevant question"?

"Topical question" emphasizes the current discussion surrounding the question, while "relevant question" highlights its importance or connection to the matter at hand. They are very similar, but the focus is slightly different.

Is "topical question" formal or informal language?

"Topical question" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news, academic writing, and professional discussions.