Begs the Question vs. Raises the Question – Which is Correct?

While often confused, begs the question and raises the question have distinct meanings. “Begs the question” refers to a logical fallacy where an argument’s premise assumes the truth of its conclusion. “Raises the question” simply means to prompt or bring up a query for consideration.

Begs the Question or Raises the Question – Which is Correct?

Both “begs the question” and “raises the question” are grammatically correct phrases in American English, but they are not interchangeable. Their frequent misuse stems from a misunderstanding of the specific, formal meaning of “begs the question.”

“Begs the question” is a term from logic, specifically referring to the fallacy of petitio principii, or circular reasoning. It means that an argument’s premise already assumes the truth of the conclusion, providing no independent support. For example, “The Bible is true because it says so” begs the question of the Bible’s truthfulness.

“Raises the question,” on the other hand, is a much simpler and more common idiom. It means to bring a question to mind, to prompt an inquiry, or to make one wonder. For instance, “The sudden drop in sales raises the question of whether our marketing strategy is effective.”

The confusion arises when “begs the question” is incorrectly used as a synonym for “raises the question.” While language evolves, in formal contexts, maintaining the precise logical meaning of “begs the question” is crucial for clarity and intellectual rigor.

Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Begs the question	Idiomatic phrase (verb phrase)	Assumes the truth of the conclusion in the premise of an argument; circular reasoning.	Claiming that ghosts are real because you’ve seen spirits begs the question of whether spirits are, in fact, ghosts.
Raises the question	Idiomatic phrase (verb phrase)	Prompts an inquiry; brings a question to mind; makes one wonder.	The unexpected test results raise the question of whether the experiment was conducted correctly.

How to Use Begs the Question

To use “begs the question” correctly, one must understand its origin in classical logic. It describes a specific type of logical fallacy where an argument’s conclusion is already contained within its premises, offering no true evidence or advancement of the argument. It’s a form of circular reasoning, often subtle, where the arguer assumes what they are trying to prove. This phrase is best reserved for formal discussions about logic, rhetoric, or critical thinking, and its misuse can undermine the precision of your argument.

Example 1: “His argument that the new law is necessary because it’s essential for public safety simply begs the question; it offers no independent justification for the law.”

Example 2: “To say that this book is a masterpiece because it’s the greatest novel ever written begs the question of what makes it great.”

Example 3: “The politician’s assertion that we should trust him because he is a trustworthy person clearly begs the question.”

What are the different forms of Begs the Question?

The verb “begs” can be conjugated according to tense and subject, while “the question” remains constant.

• Present Tense: It begs the question. They beg the question.
• Past Tense: It begged the question.
• Present Participle (Gerund): Begging the question (e.g., “His speech was begging the question by assuming everyone agreed.”)

Etymology of the phrase Begs the Question

The phrase “begs the question” is a direct translation of the Latin “petitio principii,” which literally means “assuming the initial point” or “petitioning the principle.” This term has been used in logic since Aristotle’s time to describe the fallacy of circular reasoning. English logicians adopted the phrase as a technical term, and it entered the language with this specific, formal meaning. Its meaning has remained consistent in philosophical and logical discourse for centuries.

How to Use Raises the Question

“Raises the question” is a straightforward and widely understood idiom meaning to bring a topic or query to attention, to prompt someone to think, or to cause a question to arise. It’s used in everyday conversation, journalism, academic writing, and any context where a statement, event, or situation prompts further inquiry. Unlike “begs the question,” it carries no implication of logical fallacy and is a simple statement about generating curiosity or discussion.

Example 1: “The mayor’s sudden resignation raises the question of who will lead the city next.”

Example 2: “Her unusual behavior during the meeting raises the question of whether she’s feeling well.”

Example 3: “The discovery of ancient artifacts in the desert raises the question of a previously unknown civilization.”

What are the different forms of Raises the Question?

The verb “raises” can be conjugated according to tense and subject, while “the question” remains constant.

• Present Tense: It raises the question. They raise the question.
• Past Tense: It raised the question.
• Present Participle (Gerund): Raising the question (e.g., “The new evidence is raising the question of his guilt.”)

Etymology of the phrase Raises the Question

The phrase “raises the question” is a transparent construction, combining the verb “raise” (meaning to bring something up, to elevate, or to cause to appear) with “the question.” This usage aligns with other idiomatic expressions involving “raise,” such as “raise an issue,” “raise a point,” or “raise a concern.” Its etymology is not tied to a specific logical fallacy but rather to the common meaning of the individual words forming the phrase.

Related Concepts

Understanding the distinction between “begs the question” and “raises the question” is easier when considering the broader concepts they represent:

• Logical Fallacies: “Begs the question” is a specific type of logical fallacy. A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid or unsound. Recognizing fallacies is crucial for critical thinking and constructing coherent arguments. Other common fallacies include ad hominem (attacking the person, not the argument), straw man (misrepresenting an opponent’s argument), and appeal to authority (claiming something is true because an authority says so, without further evidence).
• Idiomatic Expressions: “Raises the question” is an idiomatic expression. Idioms are phrases whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meaning of its words. While “raises the question” is fairly transparent, it functions as a single unit of meaning, distinct from its literal components. Many idioms enrich the English language but can be tricky for non-native speakers.
• Precision in Language: The debate around these phrases highlights the importance of precision. In academic, legal, or scientific discourse, using words with their exact, intended meanings prevents ambiguity and strengthens communication. Casual usage often blurs these lines, but knowing the precise definition allows for more effective and accurate expression.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “To say that the defendant is guilty because he committed the crime begs the question; the prosecution must first prove that he indeed committed the crime.” (Legal analysis)
• “The author’s premise that all art is subjective, therefore no art can be objectively judged, consistently begs the question throughout the essay.” (Literary criticism)
• “The discovery of a new planet in our solar system certainly raises the question of whether life exists beyond Earth.” (Scientific news report)
• “After the sudden power outage, the entire neighborhood was left wondering what happened, which raised the question of the city’s aging infrastructure.” (Journalism)
• “This unexpected plot twist in the novel raises the question of the protagonist’s true motivations, forcing readers to re-evaluate earlier chapters.” (Book review)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The fact that the company’s profits are down, yet they claim to be thriving, ________ of their financial transparency.
2. Her argument that we need more police because crime is rampant simply ________, as it doesn’t prove the police force’s effectiveness.
3. The sudden appearance of an unknown bird species in the region ________ of climate change’s impact on migration patterns.
4. Claiming that ghosts exist because no one has proven they don’t ________, shifting the burden of proof inappropriately.
5. The council’s decision to delay the project, despite having all approvals, ________ of their true intentions.

Answer Key

1. raises the question
2. begs the question
3. raises the question
4. begs the question
5. raises the question

Begs the Question Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Assume the conclusion	To take the conclusion for granted within the premises of an argument.
Circular reasoning	A logical fallacy where the reasoner begins with what they are trying to end with.
Petitio principii	The Latin term for begging the question; assuming the initial point.

Raises the Question Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Prompts the question	To instigate or bring about a question.
Leads to the question	To result in or suggest a question.
Suggests the question	To imply or put forward a question for consideration.
Invites inquiry	To encourage or welcome investigation or questioning.
Makes one wonder	To cause curiosity or speculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the common misuse of “begs the question”?
The most common misuse is employing “begs the question” as a substitute for “raises the question,” “prompts the question,” or “makes one wonder.” People often use it to mean that something naturally leads to a question, rather than referring to a logical fallacy.

Question 2: Can “begs the question” ever be used informally?
While its traditional and precise meaning is formal, “begs the question” is increasingly used informally to mean “raises the question” in everyday speech and less formal writing. However, for clarity and to avoid confusing those familiar with its logical definition, it’s generally best to stick to its formal usage or choose “raises the question” instead.

Question 3: Are there other phrases similar to “raises the question”?
Yes, many phrases convey a similar meaning, such as “prompts the question,” “leads to the question,” “suggests the question,” “invites inquiry,” or “makes one wonder.” These can often be used interchangeably with “raises the question” depending on context and desired nuance.

Conclusion

The distinction between “begs the question” and “raises the question” is a classic point of contention for language enthusiasts and a critical one for clear communication. “Begs the question” is a specific term from logic describing a fallacy of circular reasoning, while “raises the question” is a general idiom meaning to prompt an inquiry. While language evolves, maintaining this distinction in formal contexts enhances precision and avoids ambiguity.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, especially in professional or academic writing, opt for “raises the question” if you simply mean that something prompts a query. Reserve “begs the question” for instances where you are specifically identifying a logical fallacy in an argument. This precision will boost your credibility and ensure your message is understood exactly as intended.