a question of judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that requires careful consideration or decision-making based on personal or professional standards. Example: "Choosing the right candidate for the job is often a question of judgment, as it involves evaluating not just skills but also cultural fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

No. It's a question of judgment.

The New York Times

This isn't a question of judgment.

The New York Times

But it is a question of judgment.

The New York Times

That, I'm afraid, is a question of judgment.

The Economist

It's going to be a question of judgment".

The New York Times

Hamilton, however, said it was just a question of judgment in the heat of the moment on whether to try to pass.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

These people, these critics, are simply not to be trusted about any question of judgment for a long time based on that half-hearted ironic 'endorsement' of one of the worst films of the year, never mind at Cannes".

Huffington Post

This is no longer a question of rational judgment.

The New York Times - Books

How NPR handled this is a question of political judgment and expediency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Disputes involving a question of medical judgment would go to state court.

The New York Times

The programme's contents, after all, are in large part a question of editorial judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of judgment", ensure that the context clearly indicates whose judgment is being referenced. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of judgment" as a vague placeholder. Instead, provide specific details about the factors influencing the decision or the criteria being used to evaluate the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of judgment" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves to identify a situation or decision point where subjective evaluation, rather than objective criteria, is paramount. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of judgment" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote situations where decisions are based on subjective evaluation rather than objective criteria. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but it can also appear in more formal settings. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is generally considered appropriate for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies whose judgment is being referenced. The alternatives "a matter of discretion", "a matter of assessment", and "an exercise in discernment" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, providing flexibility in conveying the intended meaning. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for articulating the complexities of decision-making processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of discretion

Emphasizes the freedom to decide based on one's own judgment.

a matter of assessment

Highlights the need for evaluation before making a decision.

a question of evaluation

Focuses on the evaluative aspect of the decision.

an exercise in discernment

Stresses the careful and insightful nature of the decision.

a test of prudence

Highlights the need for wisdom and careful consideration.

a matter of sound reasoning

Emphasizes the logic and rationality behind the decision.

a case of wise decision-making

Focuses on the quality of the decision-making process.

a problem of appraisal

Refers to the act of judging the value or worth of something.

an instance of evaluative thinking

Highlights the cognitive process involved in making a judgment.

an issue of judiciousness

Focuses on showing good judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a question of judgment" to describe situations where decisions rely on subjective assessment rather than concrete facts. For instance, "Determining the artistic merit of the painting is "a question of judgment"".

What are some alternatives to "a question of judgment"?

Alternatives include "a matter of discretion", "a matter of assessment", or "an exercise in discernment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a question of judgment" or "an issue of judgment"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a question of judgment" is more common. "An issue of judgment" may imply a problem or concern related to someone's judgment, while "a question of judgment" is more neutral.

When is it appropriate to use "a question of judgment" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when discussing decisions that require careful evaluation and subjective assessment. For instance, "The selection of the appropriate strategy became "a question of judgment" for the board of directors".