at the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific question that has been posed or is being discussed. Example: "The committee deliberated at the question of funding for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He smiles at the question.

The Economist

She laughed at the question.

The New York Times

Guillen laughed at the question.

The New York Times

He grinned at the question.

The New York Times

Cantlay scoffed at the question.

The New York Times - Sports

He was aghast at the question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Oddo expressed surprise at the question.

The New York Times

Ms. Lawless grinned at the question.

The New York Times

The audience boo at the question.

The Guardian

Harmon laughed at the question.

The New York Times - Sports

He has another go at the question.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the question", ensure the context clearly indicates that you're addressing a specific query or issue directly. Avoid vagueness by providing enough information about the question itself.

Common error

Avoid using "at the question" when discussing abstract concepts or general topics without a clearly defined question. Instead, opt for phrases like "regarding the issue" or "concerning the matter" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the question" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a specific focus or direction of attention. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase often follows verbs of action or perception, directing attention toward the query under discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to focus attention on a specific query or issue. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. While alternatives like "regarding the question" or "concerning the question" exist, "at the question" offers a direct and clear way to introduce a topic for discussion or analysis. Avoiding its use in overly abstract contexts ensures optimal clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the question

This alternative uses a more formal preposition to indicate the topic of concern.

concerning the question

Similar to "regarding", this option also introduces a formal tone when referencing the topic.

in relation to the question

This expands on the idea, explicitly stating a connection or relationship to the subject.

with respect to the question

A formal and precise way of specifying the aspect being considered.

in connection with the question

Implies a link or association to the query under discussion.

pertaining to the question

Another formal option specifying relevance or applicability.

on the subject of the question

This alternative broadens the scope slightly to include everything related to the query.

about the question

A more casual and straightforward way to refer to the topic.

as to the question

Indicates a point of inquiry or discussion, slightly more old-fashioned.

considering the question

Suggests a more reflective approach to the query at hand.

FAQs

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

Use "at the question" to indicate a specific query or issue that is being addressed. For instance, "The committee looked at the question of budget allocation".

What are some alternatives to using "at the question"?

You can use alternatives such as "regarding the question", "concerning the question", or "in relation to the question" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "at the question" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to clearly denote that you are directly addressing a specific query or issue. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "with respect to the question" for an even more polished tone.

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

"At the question" implies a direct focus on the query itself, whereas "about the question" is more general and can refer to anything related to the query, not necessarily the query itself.