areas in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "areas in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to specific subjects or topics that are being discussed or examined. Example: "The report highlights the areas in question that require further investigation to ensure compliance with regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

They could be the result of more filaments than normal connecting the areas in question.

The Economist

The list is mapped on photo views, with numbers of the tasks over the areas in question.

The New York Times

The owners said the areas in question were the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Upper Green River Basin and the Red Desert.

The New York Times

Contacting staff The University and College Union is pressing the university to say what steps it is taking to contact anyone who has worked in the areas in question as far back as possible.

The Guardian

One of the areas in question is Johannesburg's Alexandra township, where tightly crammed shacks sit under corrugated tin roofs and discarded trash is a breeding ground for rats, a jarring contrast from the looming skyscrapers of wealthy Sandton.

The Guardian

The areas in question – the Ross Sea and coastal areas in East Antarctica – are almost untouched by the often-clumsy hands of human progress and give a home to thousands of marine species.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

China has objected, since it claims the area in question.

The Economist

The area in question borders eastern Kosovo and is patrolled by American troops.

The New York Times

There are now many gaps along the East River, including the area in question.

The New York Times

The area in question on the space station is prone to leaks.

The Guardian

No such briefs were forthcoming, with the area in question instead, and belatedly, given to Hibs.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "areas in question", ensure the context clearly identifies what areas you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or references.

Common error

Avoid using "areas in question" without a preceding or following explanation. Readers may not understand which specific areas you're discussing, leading to confusion. Always provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "areas in question" functions as a noun phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun implicitly or explicitly defined by the context. It specifies which areas are being considered or discussed. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "areas in question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to refer to specific locations or topics under consideration. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "relevant areas" or "specific regions" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevant areas

Replaces "in question" with "relevant", focusing on the pertinence of the areas.

pertinent zones

Uses synonyms for both "areas" and "in question", slightly altering the tone.

specific regions

Replaces "areas" with "regions" and "in question" with "specific", providing a more geographical connotation.

aforementioned locations

Emphasizes that the locations have been previously mentioned.

designated spots

Suggests that the areas have been officially chosen or marked.

concerned sectors

Shifts the focus to sectors or divisions that are relevant to the topic.

involved territories

Implies the areas are actively participating or affected by something.

particular locales

Uses more formal synonyms for both words, altering the register.

respective districts

Focuses on administrative or political divisions.

examined spaces

Highlights that the areas are being inspected or studied.

FAQs

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

Use "areas in question" to refer to specific locations or topics that are being discussed or investigated. For example, "The report highlights the "areas in question" that require further analysis".

What's a good alternative to "areas in question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "relevant areas", "specific regions", or "aforementioned locations".

Is it more formal to say "areas in question" or "relevant areas"?

"Areas in question" and "relevant areas" are both generally considered formal. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Areas in question" implies a more direct focus on what is being examined.

When should I use "areas in question" instead of just saying "the areas"?

Use "areas in question" when you want to emphasize that these areas are under scrutiny, discussion, or investigation. It adds a layer of specificity and importance compared to simply saying "the areas".