are in question

USAGE SUMMARY

"are in question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is uncertain or unknown. For example, "Which policies to implement are in question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Are you worried that we will wake up November 5th to find that, once again, election results in key races are in question?

Huffington Post

Three races are in question.

The New Yorker

Creativity and choice are in question.

The Guardian - Business

It's the facilities that are in question.

The New York Times - Sports

"Both of those factors are in question right now.

The New York Times

Exactly what powers that board would wield are in question.

The New York Times

But others are in question for the final votes.

The New York Times

But other Democrats are in question for the final vote.

The New York Times

However, the fact that Muslims are in question seems to somehow be respectable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither the sincerity of Monbiot's nomination nor Featherstone's merits are in question here.

The Guardian - Opinion

A number of telephone calls are in question,' the officer said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are in question" to express uncertainty or doubt about the validity, accuracy, or reliability of something. For clarity, ensure the subject of the phrase is clearly defined and understood in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "are in question" when a simple negative statement would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The results are in question," consider "The results are not confirmed" if you simply mean they haven't been verified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in question" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that the subject's validity, reliability, or certainty is uncertain. Ludwig AI validates this use based on numerous examples in its database.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are in question" is a versatile expression used to convey uncertainty or doubt across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in news, scientific literature, and general discourse. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding the specific subject under scrutiny. While effective in expressing uncertainty, consider alternative phrases like "are uncertain" or "are disputed" to fine-tune your message for maximum impact. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are uncertain

Highlights the lack of definitive knowledge or predictability.

are doubtful

Stresses the low probability or likelihood of something.

are subject to doubt

Focuses on the vulnerability to skepticism or uncertainty.

are open to doubt

Indicates the possibility or permissibility of questioning something.

are under consideration

Focuses on the act of being thought about or evaluated, rather than implying doubt.

are disputed

Indicates that there is active disagreement or contestation.

are at issue

Highlights the core point of contention or conflict.

are open to challenge

Suggests that something can be contested or disputed.

are being debated

Emphasizes the discussion and disagreement surrounding a topic.

are up for debate

Suggests that a topic is open to discussion and argument.

FAQs

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

Use "are in question" to indicate that the validity, accuracy, or reliability of something is uncertain or disputed. For example, "The accuracy of these findings "are in question" due to methodological flaws".

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

You can use alternatives like "are uncertain", "are doubtful", or "are disputed" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to express uncertainty or doubt about something's validity or reliability. For instance, "The long-term effects of this medication "are in question", requiring further research".

What is the difference between "are in question" and "are being questioned"?

"Are in question" suggests inherent uncertainty or doubt, while "are being questioned" indicates an active process of scrutiny or investigation. The first focuses on the state of uncertainty, while the second focuses on the action of questioning.