weighty question

USAGE SUMMARY

'weighty question' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a serious, important, or difficult question. For example, "After much deliberation, the board of directors had to face a weighty question: should they invest in a new technology or stay with the status quo?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

That is a particularly weighty question, given the urgent need for tax revenue to offset the ballooning federal budget deficit.

The New York Times

I am taking a travel break and pondering a weighty question about the Rogue as I sample the banana cream pie at Dube's Pittstop, home of the " ½-lb.

The New York Times

They interpreted the notion, which they said was only vaguely sketched by Mr. Arafat, as an attempt to pass to a group of Arab countries the weighty question of sovereignty over an ancient space that is sacred to Muslims and Jews and a cradle of both religions.

The New York Times

The on-stage demo seemed to work very well, though it left one particularly weighty question unanswered — how will users input web addresses?

TechCrunch

This of course begs a fairly weighty question: is there a point to an app ratings system that Apple and Google won't use?

TechCrunch

BERLIN It must have been a weighty question for dinosaurs, some of which were dutiful parents that brooded their eggs like birds: How could they sit on their eggs without breaking them?

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But we are still left with some weighty questions.

The Guardian

These were among the weighty questions conjured up in a recent tasting of 20 mezcals.

The New York Times - Food

He'd stack the fruit into pyramids and contemplate weighty questions with a seriousness of thought.

The New Yorker

There are no such weighty questions being asked in the other city about to host a Game 5, Washington.

The New York Times

What it does offer — in ample supply — are weighty  questions about the growing use of such tools.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weighty question" when you want to emphasize the importance, complexity, and potential consequences of a question. It suggests that the question requires careful consideration and has significant implications.

Common error

While "weighty question" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "important question" or "serious question" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weighty question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "weighty" modifies the noun "question". It indicates that the question is of considerable importance or significance, demanding careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weighty question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a question of significant importance, often requiring careful deliberation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially news and media, science and even wiki articles. While "weighty question" effectively conveys the gravity of a topic, it's advisable to reserve it for situations where its seriousness is warranted, preventing overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "significant question" or "important question" can serve as substitutes depending on the desired nuance. Use "weighty question" when you really need to emphasize the gravity of the question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant question

Replaces "weighty" with a synonym emphasizing importance.

important question

Similar to "significant question", but more commonly used.

serious question

Emphasizes the gravity and potential consequences of the question.

profound question

Suggests the question delves into deeper, more fundamental issues.

critical question

Highlights the importance of the question for making crucial decisions.

momentous question

Implies that the question has far-reaching and lasting implications.

complex question

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the question.

challenging question

Highlights the difficulty and effort required to answer the question.

pressing question

Emphasizes the urgency and immediate need to address the question.

fundamental question

Highlights the foundational or essential nature of the question.

FAQs

How to use "weighty question" in a sentence?

You can use "weighty question" to describe a question that is important, serious, and requires careful consideration. For example, "The board of directors faced a "weighty question" about the company's future direction".

What can I say instead of "weighty question"?

You can use alternatives like "significant question", "important question", or "serious question" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "weighty question"?

It's appropriate when the question at hand demands careful thought and has significant implications. It is often used in formal settings like business meetings, academic discussions, or news reports.

What is the difference between "weighty question" and "difficult question"?

"Weighty question" emphasizes the importance and potential consequences, while "difficult question" focuses on the challenge of finding an answer. A ""weighty question"" might be easy to answer but have serious implications, while a "difficult question" might be complex and require extensive research but have minimal impact.