what is the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when seeking clarification or asking someone to specify what they are inquiring about. Example: "Before we proceed, can you please clarify what is the question you would like to discuss?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

What is the question?

The New York Times

"With what?" is the question.

The New York Times

If Marxism is the answer, what is the question?

Independent

What is the question that isn't being voiced?

The New Yorker

If Theresa May is the answer, what is the question?

The Guardian - Opinion

If the answer is Agatha Christie, then what is the question?

The Guardian

That sounds true, but what is the question that it answers?

The New Yorker

What is the question that would really capture the spirit of the coming election?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

What is the question-writer asking the expert?

The New York Times

It has to be 'what is the question, and which methods are the most appropriate ones to use in that circumstance', and that's got to be the driver.

BMC Health Services Research

TA: No …what is the question?

CBE Life Sciences Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before making assumptions, use "what is the question" to ensure a clear understanding of the underlying issue and avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "what is the question" without first establishing a context or problem. Ensure there's a clear understanding of what needs clarification to prevent confusion and ensure the phrase is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is the question" functions primarily as an interrogative phrase, used to seek clarification, reframe a problem, or prompt a deeper understanding of the underlying issue. Ludwig AI shows its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is the question" serves as a versatile interrogative phrase designed to elicit clarity and reframe discussions. Ludwig AI validates its wide applicability across diverse sources, from news and media to science and research. It's considered grammatically correct and frequently used, although the context should be carefully considered to ensure relevance. When facing complexity or ambiguity, employing this phrase can effectively steer conversations toward the core issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What's the underlying issue?

Focuses on identifying the fundamental problem.

What are we really asking?

Highlights the true intention behind a query.

What's the key question?

Emphasizes the most important question to consider.

What is being investigated?

Highlights the subject of the research.

What is the main inquiry?

Focuses on the primary area of investigation.

What are the critical points?

Highlights the most important aspect of the discussion.

What's the central theme?

Focuses on the primary message.

What problem are we solving?

Highlights on the exact nature of the problem under discussion.

What is the core concern?

Focuses on the fundamental concern.

What's the real deal?

This is an informal way of asking what the true situation or question is.

FAQs

How can I use "what is the question" in a sentence?

You can use "what is the question" to seek clarification or reframe a problem. For example, "If the answer is innovation, "what is the question" we're trying to answer?"

What's another way to ask "what is the question"?

Alternatives include "what's the underlying issue", "what are we really asking", or "what's the key question". These phrases can help to specify the inquiry.

Is it always appropriate to use "what is the question"?

While grammatically correct, "what is the question" is most effective when there is a need to re-evaluate the focus or purpose of a discussion. If the context is already clear, it may not be necessary.

What did Gertrude Stein mean when she said, "What is the question?"

Reportedly, on her deathbed, after asking "What is the answer?" and receiving no reply, Gertrude Stein reframed her search for meaning by asking ""what is the question"?" indicating a shift from seeking solutions to understanding the problem itself.