The phrase "all-important question" functions as an adjective-noun combination. "All-important" is an adjective, and "question" is a noun.
/ɔːl ɪmˈpɔːrtənt ˈkwɛsʧən/
The phrase "all-important question" refers to a question of utmost importance or significance in a particular context. It is often used to emphasize that the question in consideration is critical for understanding, decision-making, or evaluation in a specific situation.
Frequency of Use: This phrase is not exceedingly common in everyday conversation, but it is used in both written and spoken English, particularly in academic, professional, and formal contexts.
Oral vs Written Context: It is more frequently encountered in written discourse, such as articles, essays, and reports, though it can be used in spoken contexts, especially in formal discussions.
The professor posed an all-important question that changed the direction of the debate.
Профессор задал абсолютно важный вопрос, который изменил направление дебатов.
We must address the all-important question of sustainability in our business practices.
Мы должны рассмотреть абсолютно важный вопрос устойчивости в нашей бизнес-практике.
The author raises an all-important question regarding the ethics of artificial intelligence.
Автор поднимает абсолютно важный вопрос этики искусственного интеллекта.
The phrase "all-important question" can also be linked to various idiomatic expressions emphasizing importance, clarity, or centrality. Here are a few examples:
"The million-dollar question remains: How do we fund the new project?"
Вопрос на миллион долларов остается: Как мы финансируем новый проект?
The burning question - This is used to describe a question that is pressing and needs immediate attention.
"The burning question after the meeting was whether the new policy would be effective."
Скользящий вопрос после собрания заключался в том, будет ли новая политика эффективна.
The key question - Refers to a central question that determines the outcome of a discussion or analysis.
"The key question to consider is how we can improve communication within our team."
Ключевой вопрос, который следует рассмотреть, заключается в том, как мы можем улучшить коммуникацию в нашей команде.
That’s the question! - Often used rhetorically to emphasize the importance or difficulty of a particular question.
"Will they win the championship? That’s the question!"
Выиграют ли они чемпионат? Вот в чем вопрос!
The essential question - This emphasizes fundamental inquiries that define the core issue.
The term "all-important" is derived from the combination of "all," meaning the entirety or whole, and "important," which has roots in Latin "importans" (meaning to signify) from "importare" (meaning to bring in or carry in). The word "question" comes from the Latin "quaestio," meaning inquiry or doubt.
Synonyms for "all-important question": - Crucial question - Vital question - Essential question
Antonyms for "all-important question": - Trivial question - Insignificant question - Minor inquiry