affair in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affair in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific matter or issue that is being discussed or considered. Example: "The committee will review the affair in question during the next meeting to determine the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

No doubt, the affair in question is very old news.

The New York Times

Think over what you really enjoyed about the affair in question, and mention it specifically – your slow-cooked goat in Vimto was delicious, and so original!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The love affair in question is sparked by the jealous curiosity of an aging, wealthy Milan industrialist about the life that his young wife, Paola (Lucia Bosè), led before their marriage.

The New Yorker

The affair in question involves beautiful, intelligent Giustiniana Wynne, the illegitimate daughter of an English baronet, and handsome, clever Andrea Memmo, a Venetian aristocrat of ancient lineage, a member of one of the ruling families that could trace their ancestry not only to the installation of the republic's first doge but all the way back to the early days of Christianity.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But intentionality is structured in turn by the subject's beliefs and evaluative judgments about the person, act, event, or state of affairs in question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The play is set in 2004 and 2005, so the current affairs in question are something less than current.) The discourse about Arafat and Rabin and Tony Blair is interrupted one day when Danny Richardd Masur and Rachel Laura Estermanan) discover that their adult son, Josh Jordan Gelberr), has taken to wearing a yarmulke.

The New York Times

Granted the conceivability of the states of affairs in question, haecceitism follows.

SEP

The second step requires an inference from the relevant conceiving or imagining to the possibility of the states of affairs in question.

SEP

This responsibility is then attributed to an agent or, metaphorically, to the other event or state of affairs in question (e.g. outbreak of war, high unemployment).

SEP

According to the first kind of response, the evidential connection between conceivability and possibility is rejected e.g., by denying that conceivability of the relevant state of affairs is grounds for taking the state of affairs in question to be possible.

SEP

If we recognize some mind-independent phenomena we want to explore and come to know, whether in nature or in culture, we should also recognize that it is up to us to construct and employ the appropriate cognitive measures in order to "take the measure" of the state of affairs in question.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affair in question", ensure that the context clearly identifies which specific affair you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Regarding the affair in question, further investigation is needed".

Common error

Avoid using "affair in question" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even pompous. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the matter" or "the issue" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affair in question" functions as a determiner phrase. It identifies and specifies a particular matter, event, or situation that is under discussion or consideration. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "affair in question" is a determiner phrase used to specify a particular matter or event under consideration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and neutral registers, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While it effectively clarifies the specific topic, simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings. Ludwig examples suggest that it should be used when it is important to clearly define what specific "affair" is being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter under discussion

This alternative is less suggestive of scandal or impropriety, focusing on the act of discussing something.

issue at hand

This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and importance of the problem or topic being dealt with.

subject in question

This alternative is neutral and focuses on the topic being examined or considered.

case in point

This phrase is used to introduce an example that supports a previous statement or argument.

incident under review

This alternative suggests a more formal or investigative context, focusing on an event being scrutinized.

topic being considered

This phrase is more descriptive and highlights the act of thinking about something carefully.

situation being addressed

This alternative focuses on the need to deal with or resolve a particular set of circumstances.

item under consideration

This phrase is formal and suggests that something is being formally evaluated or thought about.

event in question

This alternative emphasizes a specific occurrence that is being discussed or investigated.

problem being examined

This phrase is used when the focus is on analyzing or investigating a specific problem.

FAQs

How can I use "affair in question" in a sentence?

You can use "affair in question" to refer to a specific matter that is being discussed or investigated. For example, "The committee will review the "matter under discussion" to determine the best course of action.".

What can I say instead of "affair in question"?

You can use alternatives like "issue at hand", "subject in question", or ""matter under discussion"" depending on the context.

Is "affair in question" formal or informal?

"Affair in question" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, you might prefer simpler alternatives like "the matter" or "the issue".

When is it appropriate to use "affair in question"?

It's appropriate when you want to refer to a specific incident, situation, or matter that has already been introduced or is understood within a particular context. It adds a level of specificity to the "topic being considered".