a question of confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues related to trust, self-assurance, or belief in someone's abilities or decisions. Example: "The team's performance in the last match was not just about skill; it was a question of confidence that affected their gameplay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It's a question of confidence.

Independent

Ultimately this is a question of confidence.

The Guardian

"It is a question of confidence," said Stewart.

The Guardian - Music

"And in that humility there's probably a question of confidence at some point.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just a question of confidence," said the kindly ice-marshal, before realising I had none.

The Guardian - Travel

Recent concerns about financing essentially amount to a question of confidence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It's a question of poise, it's a question of strategic vision, it's a question of self-confidence and so on," Mr. Baker said, "and I think there is necessarily a very considerable gap".

The New York Times

"It's a question of consumer confidence.

The New York Times

It would be high stakes indeed for him to make this a question of personal confidence in him as leader, with a demand to "back him or sack him", as it might well backfire.

The Guardian

There is a fundamental question of confidence in the industry, " Bailey said.

The Guardian - Business

For Mr. Lepage, reaching that point is a simple question of confidence: "The only thing that really shakes the basis of Quebec's assurance in its identity is the fact that it's a very, very young society.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of confidence", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to self-confidence, trust in others, or general certainty about a situation. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of confidence" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify what kind of confidence is lacking or being discussed, such as "a question of consumer confidence" or "a question of self-confidence", to provide clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of confidence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes that a situation or outcome is contingent upon the level of trust or certainty involved.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

20%

Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of confidence" is a versatile phrase used to express that an outcome or situation depends on the level of trust, belief, or certainty involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, it is also common in sports and business discussions. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in communication. Related phrases, such as "a matter of trust" or "an issue of self-assurance", can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of trust

Focus shifts from general confidence to the specific element of trust involved.

an issue of self-assurance

Highlights the personal aspect of confidence, emphasizing belief in one's own abilities.

a problem of certainty

Emphasizes the lack of sureness or definiteness, presenting a more negative framing.

a concern about reliability

Directs attention to the dependability and trustworthiness of someone or something.

a deficit in belief

Implies a shortage or lack of faith, often suggesting a need to increase conviction.

a crisis of credibility

Signifies a severe loss of trustworthiness and believability, indicating a more acute situation.

a test of conviction

Reframes confidence as something to be proven or validated through action or circumstance.

a leap of faith

Underscores the need to act despite uncertainty, relying on hope or belief.

a gamble on assurance

Involves taking a risk based on the perceived certainty or security of a situation.

an absence of self-belief

Explicitly denotes the lack of confidence in oneself, highlighting a state of doubt or insecurity.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of confidence" to indicate that an issue hinges on trust, self-belief, or certainty. For instance, "The project's success is "a question of confidence" in the team's ability to meet deadlines."

What are some alternatives to saying "a question of confidence"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "a matter of trust", "an issue of self-assurance", or "a problem of certainty".

Is it more appropriate to say "a question of confidence" or "an issue of confidence"?

Both "a question of confidence" and "an issue of confidence" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "a question of confidence"?

When something is described as "a question of confidence", it means that the outcome or resolution depends largely on the level of trust, belief, or certainty involved. It suggests that success is contingent upon having faith in oneself, others, or a particular course of action.