a question of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of order" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal settings, such as meetings or parliamentary procedures, to refer to a matter concerning the rules or procedures of the assembly. Example: "During the meeting, I raised a question of order regarding the voting process that was being followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's a question of order, he argues: make sure the product or service is sustainable first, then think about how best to flog it.

The Guardian

In A Question of Order: India, Turkey, and the Return of Strongmen, journalist Basharat Peer provides an account of how the charismatic strongmen Narendra Modi in India and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey used the power they had won as elected heads of state to push their countries toward authoritarian ways, limiting press freedom, civil liberties, and religious and ethnic tolerance.

Columbia University

Garfield immediately called to chairman Hoar to raise a question of order.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In other words, it would never be a question of ordering electors pledged to one candidate to vote for another.

The New Yorker

"It's a question of public order".

The New York Times

"Rome is a free and open city, but there is also a question of public order".

The New York Times

Is it a question of birth order, or of birth privilege?

Forbes

For that reason, understanding how closely the assumptions that underpin game theoretic analysis conform to actual human decision-making is a question of first-order importance to economists.

University of Chicago

"It is a question of efficiency, in order to leverage a change of position in the U.S. "We want this decision to be reversed.

The New York Times

Trump instead declared he intends to lower taxes for the top income brackets and dismissed the problem of racism as a question of "law and order".

The Guardian - Opinion

But for Philip Hamburger, John P. Wilson professor of law at the University of Chicago, the history of this amalgamation is a question of the first order, and one for which he has proposed some rather unsettling answers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question of order" to introduce a topic that needs immediate attention to maintain order or follow guidelines.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of order" in casual conversation. It is a formal expression best suited for structured environments like meetings or legal proceedings. Using it informally may sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of order" primarily functions as an interjection or declarative phrase used to raise a point of concern or inquiry regarding the proper procedure or sequence of events. Ludwig provides examples where it introduces a challenge to the correctness of an announcement or highlights a matter needing resolution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of order" is a formal phrase used to raise procedural concerns or seek clarification in structured environments. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently found in news media and academic contexts. While grammatically correct, it should be reserved for appropriate formal settings. Remember that while Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness, appropriate context is key to effectively use this phrase. Its related phrases, such as "a matter of procedure", can provide suitable alternatives depending on the nuance desired. Keep in mind its specific connotations to ensure proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of procedure

Replaces "question" with "matter" to emphasize the procedural aspect.

an issue of protocol

Substitutes "question" with "issue" and "order" with "protocol", highlighting adherence to rules.

a point of procedure

Focuses on a specific procedural item or rule needing clarification.

a problem of sequencing

Highlights issues related to arranging items in the correct order.

a concern about arrangement

Emphasizes worry or consideration regarding how something is organized.

a dilemma of prioritization

Focuses on problems related to choosing the most important items.

a problem concerning regulation

Highlights the issue of compliance with rules and order.

an inquiry regarding administration

Emphasizes the aspect of management.

a challenge related to management

Focuses on issues and challenges during an administrative function.

a query about arrangement

Substitutes question with 'query', emphasizing the act of questioning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a question of order" to introduce a procedural issue or challenge the correctness of proceedings, as in "I rise to a question of order regarding the agenda."

What phrases are similar to "a question of order"?

Alternatives include "a matter of procedure", "an issue of protocol", or "a point of procedure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a question of order"?

It is appropriate in formal settings like meetings, debates, or legal proceedings when you need to address a procedural irregularity or seek clarification on the rules.

Is "a question of order" formal or informal?

"A question of order" is a formal expression. Using it in informal contexts may seem out of place. Consider alternatives like "Is this the right way to do things?" in casual conversations.