vexing question

USAGE SUMMARY

"vexing question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a question that is difficult to answer or causes aggravation. For example, "What do you do when your best friend and your partner disagree? That is a vexing question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Anyone struggling with a chronic condition, especially one invisible to others, faces that vexing question.

Huffington Post

How to get a hold of Eden Hazard: it is, from both sides, a familiarly vexing question.

The Guardian - Sport

But McCain stumbled on a simple, if vexing, question: With several major health-maintenance organizations facing bankruptcy, how would he fix the national health-care system?

The New Yorker

It is also a key lineage in understanding the evolution of this group, with the most vexing question whether mites, or Acari (Parasitiformes and Acariformes) is monophyletic.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The evolutionary origin of gastrulation defined as a morphogenetic event that leads to the establishment of germ layers remains a vexing question.

BMC Biology

Yet even they acknowledge it offers a solution to a vexing question: How do they get paid?

The New York Times

Today we get to the bottom of a vexing question: Is cocaine vegan?

Vice

This is a vexing question.

The New Yorker

Then, there's the vexing question of size.

The New Yorker

There is then the vexing question of the collar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How far they might go to stop this remains a vexing question.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "vexing question", provide context to highlight why the question is difficult or complex. This helps the reader understand the significance of the issue being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "vexing question" for issues that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. Reserve it for situations involving genuine complexity or a lack of clear solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vexing question" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vexing" modifies the noun "question". It emphasizes the problematic or challenging nature of the question. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vexing question" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively introduces a complex or difficult problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears across various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies its use by highlighting the genuine complexity of the issue at hand. Alternatives such as "challenging question" or "difficult question" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in simple scenarios to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging question

Focuses on the difficulty of the question.

difficult question

Emphasizes the question's complexity and lack of easy answers.

complicated question

Highlights the intricate nature of the question.

intricate question

Stresses the question's detailed and complex nature.

thorny question

Implies the question is prickly and potentially troublesome to address.

knotty question

Suggests the question is complex and hard to untangle.

contentious question

Indicates the question is likely to cause disagreement or debate.

problematic question

Focuses on the issues or difficulties the question raises.

troublesome question

Highlights the inconvenience or difficulty posed by the question.

perplexing question

Emphasizes the question's capacity to confuse or puzzle.

FAQs

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

Use "vexing question" to introduce a problem or issue that is difficult to resolve. For example, "The "vexing question" of how to balance economic growth with environmental protection remains a key challenge for policymakers."

What are some alternatives to using "vexing question"?

You can use alternatives such as "challenging question", "difficult question", or "complicated question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "vexing question" formal or informal language?

"Vexing question" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of your audience and choose words that fit your communication style.

What makes a question "vexing"?

A question is "vexing" when it is difficult to answer, causes annoyance, or is the subject of much debate without a clear resolution. It suggests a complexity that goes beyond a simple problem.