valuable question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valuable question" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a question that is meaningful, important, or insightful. Example: During the Q&A session, a member of the audience asked a valuable question about the company's future plans, which sparked a thought-provoking discussion among the panelists.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But, in de Acosta, Cohen has found a subject that raises a valuable question: What does it mean to "service," another woman — physically, spiritually, mentally?

The New Yorker

At a time when public officials across the country are considering sweeping revisions to building codes, and some tenants are struggling to regain confidence in the safety of skyscrapers, many technical experts say there are good reasons they have dealt so gingerly with such a volatile, if perhaps valuable, question.

The New York Times

A valuable question from Ashcroft Lord Ashcroft, the multimillionaire who bankrolled the Conservative Party during its darkest years, asked a good question this week: whether the report on political party finance by the Committee on Standards in Public Life "represents good value for money".

Independent

When I feel that, I've found that the most valuable question I can ask myself is "Who is the person I want to be in this situation?" Or even more specifically, "How would I behave here at my best?" Choosing not to write about that food industry chief executive I met last week — at least not before I was capable of developing a more thoughtful, nuanced view — was me behaving better.

The New York Times

A valuable question is then how small do strategies need to be to enable efficient optimal planning.

Artificial Intelligence

I thank you, dear MHH, for your valuable question, and hope that this column provides you with useful answers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I ask questions, hopefully valuable questions, and we will see where the research lands".

The New Yorker

But Gershenzon added that the Rothamsted experiments could answer valuable questions his own work could not.

The Guardian

But I think these are valuable questions, and I appreciate the fact that Mr Blanchard has been bold enough to raise them.

The Economist

Much of the bin Laden history presented is familiar, but the film raises valuable questions about United States intelligence failures and responds with harsh assessments, taking on a subject too many reporters still consider off-limits.

The New York Times

Mr. Pott said the project gave rise to interesting questions, like, "Is this ethnic dance, even though it's made by 21st-century citizens?" He sees these as "really valuable questions for students in the 21st century in Jersey City, since they're exposed to kids from all different backgrounds all the time," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "valuable question", ensure the context clearly demonstrates why the question is valuable. Is it thought-provoking, does it challenge assumptions, or does it open new avenues for exploration?

Common error

Avoid labeling every question as "valuable". Overuse diminishes its impact. Reserve it for questions that genuinely offer substantial insight or direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valuable question" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "valuable" modifies the noun "question". It serves to attribute a positive quality to the question, emphasizing its importance, significance, or potential for yielding useful information. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in diverse contexts, from academic discussions to news reports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "valuable question" is a grammatically correct and meaningful phrase used to describe inquiries that are significant, insightful, or potentially impactful. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, although it appears more frequently in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While synonyms like "important question" and "insightful question" exist, "valuable question" specifically emphasizes the worth and potential of the inquiry. It's best practice to use it judiciously, reserving it for questions that truly offer substantial insight to avoid diminishing its impact. Common authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, further highlighting its usage in reputable contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important question

Replaces "valuable" with a synonym emphasizing the significance of the question.

significant question

Similar to "important question", highlighting the noteworthy aspect of the question.

worthwhile question

Indicates that the question is worth considering or exploring.

insightful question

Emphasizes that the question reveals a deeper understanding or offers new perspectives.

meaningful question

Suggests that the question is full of meaning and relevance.

relevant question

Indicates that the question is pertinent and applicable to the current situation.

probing question

Highlights that the question is designed to explore deeply and uncover hidden information.

critical question

Emphasizes the crucial and essential nature of the question.

key question

Indicates that the question is central and essential to the topic.

substantial question

Highlights the weight and importance of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "valuable question" to describe an inquiry that offers significant insights or promotes deeper understanding. For example, "During the presentation, she raised a "valuable question" about the ethical implications of the new technology."

What are some alternatives to "valuable question"?

Alternatives include "important question", "significant question", or "insightful question". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "valuable question" or "good question"?

"Valuable question" emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the inquiry, while "good question" is more general. Use "valuable question" when you want to highlight the question's significance.

What makes a question "valuable"?

A question is "valuable" if it challenges assumptions, opens new avenues for exploration, or leads to significant insights. It is more than just a simple inquiry; it is one that can drive progress and understanding.