a question of policy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of policy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing matters related to rules, regulations, or guidelines that govern actions or decisions within an organization or context. Example: "The decision to implement remote work options is ultimately a question of policy that needs to be addressed by management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It's really a question of policy, that's what's driving this," said Marc Lackritz, president of the Securities Industry Association, which represents more than 650 securities firms.

The New York Times

A question of policy: Cameron and the Murdochs The media tycoons have much to gain from a Tory administration: Abolish Ofcom James Murdoch has complained that the media regulator is unaccountable, and intervenes far too much, stifling creativity (and profit).

Independent

Reasonable people have questioned whether a criminal defendant ought to have as broad a "second bite at the apple" in the Federal courts as he presently does, but that is a question of policy for Congress to decide.

The New York Times

We find that aligning private output performance with public interests is at least partly a question of policy design congruence: private implementing actors tend to perform deficiently when the conflicting logics of the state and the market combine with weak accountability mechanisms.

Policy and Society

Whether the expense of ascertaining the best method of reclamation should subsequently be reimbursed when final assessments were laid according to benefits ascertained to result from the execution of the final plan presents a question of policy, and not of power.

Cornell University

"It's a question of policy".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's no longer merely a question of environmental policy (even though global climate change continues apace); it's now clearly a question of national security policy.

The New York Times

This is a question of strategic policy.

The New York Times

It is a question of public policy.

Harvard University

It's a question of our policy toward the world.

The New York Times

In other words, it is a question of public policy.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "a question of policy" is best when a specific decision hinges upon interpreting or applying existing rules or guidelines. It is not ideal when discussing entirely new initiatives or matters of opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of policy" when the issue at hand is actually a matter of strategy or general direction. Policy refers to specific rules and guidelines, while strategy involves overall goals and plans.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of policy" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows it is used to frame discussions around decisions that are guided by existing rules, regulations, or established guidelines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of policy" is a phrase used to indicate that a decision or issue is determined by established rules or guidelines. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While not extremely common, it's a valuable phrase for emphasizing that a decision is based on a structured framework rather than arbitrary factors. When using this phrase, ensure that the specific policy being referenced is clearly defined for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matter of principle

This focuses more on fundamental beliefs than specific guidelines.

an issue of regulation

This alternative hones in specifically on regulatory aspects.

a decision regarding procedure

This alternative emphasizes the procedural aspects of decision-making.

a choice concerning guidelines

This highlights the act of selecting among different guidelines.

a concern about protocol

This suggests worry or consideration related to established protocols.

a problem of governance

This shifts the focus to broader governing systems and their challenges.

a dilemma in strategy

Focuses on strategic implications and choices rather than policy.

a predicament involving legislation

This alternative relates more specifically to legal frameworks and challenges.

a deliberation on directives

This centers around the act of carefully considering different directives.

an evaluation of standards

This emphasizes the process of assessing existing standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "a question of policy" to indicate that a particular decision or issue is determined by established rules or guidelines. For example, "The company's decision not to offer remote work is a question of policy."

What is a similar phrase to "a question of policy"?

Similar phrases include "a matter of policy", "an issue of regulation", or "a decision regarding procedure".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a question of policy"?

It is appropriate to use "a question of policy" when the central issue revolves around interpreting, applying, or changing existing rules or guidelines within a specific organization or context.

What's the difference between "a question of policy" and "a question of strategy"?

"A question of policy" relates to specific rules and guidelines, while "a question of strategy" concerns overall goals and plans. For example, a policy might dictate who is eligible for a promotion, while a strategy outlines the steps to increase overall employee satisfaction.