at question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at question' is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally it is used to introduce a statement of doubt or uncertainty as to the accuracy or validity of something. For example: "The truthfulness of his claims is at question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At question time, Miliband started quietly.

The Guardian

I always have a look at Question Time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At the end, some approximate solution is available but its quality is at question.

Journal of Process Control

He gets a briefing on the other aircraft that are at question.

The New Yorker

During idle moments between bellowing at Question Time, I like to play a game.

The Guardian - Opinion

"La Lumiere is not at question at all in any shape or form," Kunst said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Why did you choose so many old films?", I was asked at question time.

The Guardian - Film

The prime minister makes the case for war at question time.

The Guardian

At Question Coffee, beans grown by women farmers are roasted in-house by smiling baristas.

The New York Times - Travel

What is at question is the way Israel is defending itself.

The New York Times

The sure-footed performance at his first outing against Tony Blair at question time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "at question," ensure that the context provides sufficient information about what is being doubted or investigated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at question" when you intend to convey general uncertainty rather than referring to a specific element under consideration. Use alternative phrases like "in doubt" or "uncertain" for broader cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at question" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause. Ludwig AI indicates it's often used to express doubt or uncertainty about the accuracy or validity of something. For instance, "The quality of the evidence is at question."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at question" serves to pinpoint a specific issue, topic, or item that requires closer examination or is subject to doubt. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this prepositional phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure you use "at question" when you want to draw attention to an element needing scrutiny, as opposed to expressing general uncertainty. For similar situations, consider alternatives such as "under consideration", "in doubt", or "at issue" to best convey your intended meaning. The wide-ranging authoritative sources employing this term affirm its validity and versatility across varied writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in question

This alternative is a more direct synonym, simply reversing the order of the words.

at issue

This alternative pinpoints the specific point or matter that is being debated or resolved.

under consideration

This alternative focuses on the act of something being formally discussed or thought about.

in doubt

This alternative highlights the uncertainty surrounding the validity or truth of something.

in dispute

This alternative emphasizes the contested nature or disagreement about something.

under scrutiny

This alternative emphasizes close and critical examination.

being challenged

This alternative indicates that something is being disputed or questioned.

under investigation

This alternative suggests a formal inquiry or examination is taking place.

relevant to the matter

This alternative broadens the focus to something's pertinence to the current situation.

up for debate

This alternative suggests the matter is open for discussion and argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "at question" to indicate something being doubted or investigated, such as "The validity of the data is "at question"".

What's the difference between "at question" and "in question"?

While similar, "at question" typically highlights a specific issue being considered or doubted, whereas "in question" is more general. Using "at question" implies something needs resolving or scrutinizing.

What can I say instead of "at question"?

You can use alternatives like "under consideration", "in doubt", or "at issue" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "at question" in formal writing?

Yes, "at question" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when presenting arguments or analyses where specific elements are being scrutinized. Its use adds precision and clarity.