unending question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unending question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that seems to have no definitive answer or resolution, often implying ongoing debate or inquiry. Example: "The unending question of whether we are alone in the universe continues to fascinate scientists and philosophers alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

TechCrunch

The New York Times

Huffington Post

The Economist

Vice

Los Angeles Times

BMC Health Services Research

The Guardian - Sport

SEP

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Jook is our answer to the unending question: Why are we here?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the unending questions.

The New York Times - Books

As for the unending questions he is likely to receive about the teams, Riley said: "I understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

The mail at the Tebows' house was unending; questions came nonstop from fans, friends and strangers; and coaches from across the country were constantly around Nease.

The New York Times - Sports

Quintana's first night at Bennington me and the campus drug dealer accosted her," he wrote, "in thrall of her mom and asking her unending questions while Fleetwood Mac played as she sat calmly in drug dealer's armchair and smiled.

The New York Times - Books

If you've struggled through this decade of transition, uncertainty and unending questions, you're not alone. .

Huffington Post

"I don't feel, 'Enough already,' " the "Scandal" alum said, referring to seemingly unending questions about a possible reunion.

Los Angeles Times

When word got out early in 1982 that another sequel was hitting theatres in the Spring I tormented my parents with unending questions: So what do you think it's going to be about?

Huffington Post

And they will be consistently challenged to answer the unending historic question: Will I overcome my fear and discomfort and speak up when someone is mistreated?

Huffington Post

For those already at home in the Capitol, there was a seemingly unending list of questions.

The New York Times

My mind is an unending array of questions -- Why do unarmed black Americans have to die?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unending question" to emphasize the seemingly limitless nature of an inquiry or problem. It suggests that the question has been asked repeatedly without a definitive answer.

Common error

Avoid using "unending question" when a question is simply difficult to answer. The phrase implies a cyclical or repetitive element, not just complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unending question" functions as a noun phrase, where "unending" modifies the noun "question". It describes a question with seemingly no final answer or resolution. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

TechCrunch

5%

The Guardian - Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unending question" describes a question that lacks a definitive answer and is subject to ongoing inquiry. While grammatically correct, as validated by Ludwig, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig's examples show that this phrase serves to emphasize the continuous and unresolved nature of an inquiry. Consider using alternatives such as "perpetual question" or "eternal question" to convey similar meanings. When writing, ensure that the context truly implies a cyclical and repetitive element, rather than just complexity, to appropriately employ the phrase "unending question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perpetual question

Replaces "unending" with "perpetual", emphasizing the continuous nature of the question.

Eternal question

Substitutes "unending" with "eternal", highlighting the timeless quality of the question.

Persistent question

Changes "unending" to "persistent", focusing on the question's continuous presence.

Unresolved question

Replaces "unending" with "unresolved", emphasizing the lack of a solution.

Ongoing inquiry

Rephrases the entire phrase to highlight the process of questioning rather than a single question.

Constant questioning

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of continuously asking questions.

Lingering question

Substitutes "unending" with "lingering", focusing on a question that remains present.

Continuous debate

Shifts the focus from a question to an ongoing discussion.

Everlasting query

Replaces the phrase with "everlasting query", connoting a question that is likely to stay relevant for a long time.

Unsettled matter

Focuses on lack of resolution rather than on questioning

FAQs

What does "unending question" mean?

The phrase "unending question" refers to a question that seems to have no definitive answer or resolution and has been discussed for a long time. It implies that the question is continuously revisited.

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

You can use "unending question" to describe philosophical dilemmas, long-standing debates, or any question that lacks a final answer. For example: "The ethics of AI is an unending question".

What are some alternatives to "unending question"?

You can use alternatives such as "perpetual question", "eternal question", or "persistent question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unending question" formal or informal?

"Unending question" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in journalistic and academic writing. More colloquial options could be used in everyday conversation. Ultimately its use will depend on the context.