a question of fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal, academic, or analytical contexts to refer to an issue that can be resolved by examining evidence or factual information. Example: "In this case, the jury must determine whether the incident was an accident or intentional; it is ultimately a question of fact."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Authorship is a question of fact.

Harvard University

Whether they have such import is a question of fact.

Cornell University

However, what a reference teaches is a question of fact.

Harvard University

This presents a question of fact, the truth of which is for you to ascertain.

Cornell University

Whether the applicant possesses the qualifications inherent in that standard is a question of fact.

Cornell University

Legally, this is a question of fact: does Israel control east Jerusalem or not?

The Guardian - Opinion

But whether or not a given concept is instantiated is a question of fact.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That, he said, was a question of fact for a jury to decide.

The New York Times

Neither the DT or the refereeing delegations can change a question of fact.

The Guardian - Sport

As for damages, he said, "That's a question of fact for trial".

The New York Times

This too is a question of fact, not opinion, to which there's been considerable analysis.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question of fact" when you want to emphasize that the answer can be found through investigation, evidence, or factual analysis, rather than opinion or legal interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of fact" when the issue at hand is one of legal interpretation, policy, or judgment. Questions of fact are resolved by evidence; questions of law are resolved by applying legal principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of fact" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies an issue that is resolvable through empirical evidence, as demonstrated by Ludwig in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

43%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of fact" is a common noun phrase denoting an issue that can be resolved through evidence and investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in academic, legal, and journalistic contexts. The phrase serves to categorize issues requiring empirical analysis, distinguishing them from matters of opinion or legal interpretation. When writing, ensure the issue at hand truly depends on factual evidence rather than subjective judgment. Related phrases include "factual matter" and "issue of fact". The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic institutions underscores its formal register and the emphasis on objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a factual matter

Replaces "question" with "matter", emphasizing the factual nature of the issue.

an issue of fact

Replaces "question" with "issue", indicating that it's a point of contention or uncertainty.

a point of fact

Highlights a specific detail that is factual and relevant to the discussion.

a matter of evidence

Focuses on the evidentiary aspect of the issue, implying that it can be resolved with evidence.

an empirical question

Emphasizes that the question can be answered through observation and experimentation.

a factual determination

Emphasizes the process of establishing something as a fact.

something to be proven

Highlights that the fact needs to be established with evidence.

a verifiable claim

Focuses on the ability to confirm or deny a statement through evidence.

a demonstrable truth

Stresses the ability to clearly show that something is true through evidence.

a testable hypothesis

Suggests the fact can be investigated through a structured experiment.

FAQs

How is "a question of fact" used in legal contexts?

In law, "a question of fact" refers to an issue that must be decided by a jury or judge based on evidence presented. It's distinct from a "question of law", which involves interpreting legal principles.

What's the difference between "a question of fact" and "a question of opinion"?

"A question of fact" can be proven or disproven with evidence, while a "matter of opinion" is based on personal beliefs or subjective judgments and cannot be definitively proven.

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

You can use alternatives like "factual matter", "issue of fact", or "matter of evidence" depending on the specific context.

How do I determine if something is "a question of fact"?

To determine if something is "a question of fact", consider whether it can be resolved by presenting evidence, conducting research, or analyzing data. If the answer depends on subjective interpretation or personal values, it's likely not "a question of fact".