a question of which

USAGE SUMMARY

"a question of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to introduce a subordinate clause that provides further information about a topic or situation. Example: The team was facing a question of which strategy to implement for the upcoming game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a question of which one".

The Guardian

Then, there is a question of which venue to play.

The Guardian - Music

It was only a question of which disease: Influenza?

The New Yorker

"It s just a question of which you prefer".

The New Yorker

So, it has been a question of which of these two competing processes would win out.

The Guardian

It's all just a question of which kind of future we want.

The New York Times

Mr. Ashford: It's a question of which mistake you want to avoid.

The New York Times

"So it was a question of which battle do you want to pick.

The New York Times

It's a question of which taxpayers would bear more of the burden.

The New York Times

It is just a question of which engine would be best for Roger.

Independent

It is then a question of which, if any, is more likely.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a question of which" to introduce a clause that clarifies a choice or dilemma, ensuring the context makes the available options clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of which" in contexts where the options being considered are not explicitly stated or easily inferred by the reader. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a subordinate clause. This clause typically clarifies what specific element or option is under consideration within a broader context, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a question of which" serves as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause that specifies a choice or decision. It is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various writing styles, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business settings. Remembering to use it when you want to clarify the specific choice or dilemma under consideration will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the selection of which

Highlights the process of choosing from a set of possibilities.

the choice of which

Focuses on the act of selecting from multiple options.

deciding which

Replaces "question" with the action of making a decision.

the matter of which

Replaces "question" with a more formal term, slightly elevating the register.

the issue of which

Highlights a point of debate or concern that needs to be addressed.

the problem of which

Substitutes "question" with "problem", emphasizing a challenge or issue requiring resolution.

determining which

Emphasizes the action of deciding or finding out which option is best.

the subject of which

Emphasizes the topic under consideration, suitable for academic or formal contexts.

the concern of which

Highlights a worry or point of anxiety that needs to be resolved.

which one to choose

Simplifies the structure, focusing on the act of selecting a single item.

FAQs

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

Use "a question of which" to introduce a clause that specifies which option or choice is under consideration. For example, "It's "a question of which" strategy will be most effective".

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

You can use alternatives like "the choice of which", "the issue of which", or "determining which" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "a question of which" and "which question"?

"A question of which" introduces a clause specifying a choice, while "which question" directly asks for a specific question to be identified or answered. They serve different grammatical functions.

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

It's appropriate in formal writing when discussing decisions, selections, or options where clarity about the choices is important. It helps to frame the selection process explicitly.