a question of when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the timing of an event or decision is uncertain, but the occurrence itself is expected. Example: "The project will be completed; it's just a question of when we will have the resources to finish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a question of when".

The New York Times

It's now a question of when.

The Guardian

It's always a question of when".

The New York Times

It's only a question of when.

The New York Times

IT WAS always a question of when rather than if.

The Economist

"There was a question of when to do it".

The New York Times

It's a question of when the Democrats will break out.

The New York Times

"It's a question of when – not if," says Brennan.

The Guardian - Business

It's a question of when you escalate those plans".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's more a question of when rather than whether".

The New York Times

It was just a question of when it happened.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question of when" to convey that an event is certain to happen, with the only uncertainty being its timing. This is particularly effective when reassuring or managing expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of when" if there's genuine doubt about whether an event will occur at all. This phrase implies certainty, so using it when the outcome is uncertain can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of when" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that the timing of an event or action is the only uncertainty. Ludwig confirms that it's often used to express inevitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a question of when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that an event is inevitable, with only its timing uncertain. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to manage expectations and offer reassurance. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid using it when doubt exists about the event's occurrence. Alternatives like "a matter of time" offer similar meanings. The phrase boasts high source quality, supported by reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of timing

Focuses explicitly on the timing aspect of an event or decision.

a matter of time

This alternative focuses on the inevitability of an event, suggesting it will happen eventually.

just a matter of time

Similar to "a matter of time", this phrase emphasizes that only time is needed for something to occur.

only a matter of time

This suggests that the timing is the only remaining uncertainty.

when the time is right

This alternative highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate moment for something to happen.

dependent on timing

This alternative directly states that the event relies on the correct timing.

contingent on timing

Similar to "dependent on timing", this indicates that the event is conditional upon the right moment.

subject to scheduling

This alternative emphasizes the planned or organized aspect of timing.

inevitable at some point

Highlights the certainty of an event, while acknowledging that the exact moment isn't known.

eventually

A single word expressing that the event will occur at an unspecified future time.

FAQs

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

Use "a question of when" to indicate that something is inevitable, but the exact timing is unknown. For example, "The economic recovery is "a question of when", not if".

What's a similar phrase to "a question of when"?

Similar phrases include "a matter of time", or "just a matter of time", both suggesting that something will happen eventually.

Is it better to say "a question of when" or "a matter of when"?

"A question of when" and "a matter of when" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, although "a question of when" is slightly more common.

What does it mean when someone says "it's a question of when, not if"?

This phrase emphasizes that an event is certain to occur. The only unknown factor is the specific timing of the event. It rules out the possibility of the event not happening.