the principal question vs the most important question

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings and contexts. 'The principal question' refers to the main question or the one that is first in importance, while 'the most important question' simply means the question of highest significance. The choice between them depends on whether you want to emphasize the primary question or just the most significant one.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 638 views

the principal question

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the main question or the one that is first in importance.

This phrase is used to refer to the primary question in a discussion, research, or debate. It emphasizes the main question that needs to be addressed.

Examples:

The principal question we need to answer is how to reduce carbon emissions.
Let's focus on the principal question at hand before moving on to other issues.

Show examples from the web [+]

I would like to point out the following: We are not discussing the principal question of the Parliament's seat in Strasbourg, which is clearly laid down in the Treaties.
At the same time, the ECB emphasised that this should in no way lessen the importance of the regular testimonies, where the principal questions regarding the ECB's policy decisions should continue to be discussed.
Therefore, some of the principal questions arising from this debate are left without the required response: arms deals, the expansionist and warmongering policies of Israel and the systematic non-compliance with United Nations resolutions on the Western Sahara and Palestine.
The principal questions had to do with the composition of the Commission, the means of election, the competences of the President of the European Council, the status of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the calculation of qualified majorities.
The principal questions concerned the composition of the Commission, election procedures and the competences of the President of the European Council, the status of the Foreign Affairs Minister and the calculation of qualified majorities.
Is it true that DG Enterprise is planning to reorganise its structure, and that one directorate would be headed by the Principal Advisor in question, who would then be appointed director?
Trafficking involves the intent to exploit a person, in principal independent from the question as to how the victim comes to the location where the exploitation takes place.
This indication shall be without prejudice to the question of the principal economic operator's liability.
This indication shall be without prejudice to the question of the principal supplier's liability.
The car in question does not belongto the principal or his wife.
This indication shall be without prejudice to the question of the principal service provider's liability.
This indication shall be without prejudice to the question of the principal contractor's responsibility.
4. An airline which transports goods accompanied by the manifests referred to in paragraphs 1 to 3 shall be the principal for the transport operation in question.
6. A shipping company which transports goods accompanied by the manifests referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 shall be the principal for the transport operation in question.
But I also thought about the consequences, the questions from the principal, the school board, your parents.
If an ingredient belongs to more than one of the categories, the category appropriate to the principal function in the case of the food in question shall be indicated.
Reports in the media are raising questions about conflicts of interest in the ownership structure, business models and management of the principal credit rating agencies.
The judiciary is far from independent and does not question the campaign of Deputy Attorney General Paval Radzivonaw as the principal architect of the crackdown on newspapers such as and.
An airline which transports goods accompanied by the manifests referred to in paragraphs 1 to 3 shall be the principal for the transport operation in question.
A shipping company which transports goods accompanied by the manifests referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4 shall be the principal for the transport operation in question.

Alternatives:

the main question
the primary question
the key question
the central question
the fundamental question

the most important question

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the question of highest significance.

This phrase is used to highlight the question that holds the most significance or importance in a given context. It does not necessarily imply that it is the primary question.

Examples:

Before we proceed, let's address the most important question on everyone's mind.
The most important question to consider is how this decision will impact our future.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is the most important question.
It's time you asked the most important question.
However, the most important question for us concerns the future of the objective 6 area.
It was not, indeed it is not the most important question.
What if I told you I was the person who could answer The most important question in the world?
It may well be the most important question you've ever been asked.
Now, here's the most important question.
Now, for the most important question:
If you want to pass the exam, this is the most important question.
However, the most important question that I wish to put to you concerns fundamental rights and the fight against discrimination.
But it was the bonus question... the most important question of all.
Rayyan... the question I want to ask you is the most important question of my life.
Therefore, I believe the most important question now is: how and what could we further build on the achievements of the Swedish Presidency?
However, the most important question is: have the Member States actually been using the indicators, and what was the outcome?
So, I think the most important question at the end is, what do we actually learn from specimens like this and from our past in general?
But really the most important question I ever asked, and most of the times when I talk about it, people kind of suck in their breath at my audacity, or cruelty, but I promise you it was the right question.
I have no doubt that the Commission will take due account of the views of the European Parliament, because in the end, the most important question is: can we make a significant difference with our actions and our efforts?
The most important question in this matter is the future of milk production quotas.
The most important question is how to gain control over these shifts and how to manage this change successfully.
The most important question of your life and does he hire out a limo? No.

Alternatives:

the crucial question
the vital question
the key question
the critical question
the essential question

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the principal question vs the most important question