at this question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at this question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is responding or referring to a specific question. Example: "When asked about his plans for the future, John paused and looked thoughtful. Finally, he replied, 'At this question, I'm not sure. I'm still figuring things out.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think fate laughs at this question.

The New York Times

Many thru-hikers bristle at this question.

The New Yorker

This is a reversal from the last time Pew looked at this question, in 1997.

The New York Times

Anderson Cooper's CNN program, 360, commissioned new research designed to look at this question further.

The New York Times

To look at this question, three colleagues and I conducted an experiment.

The New York Times

We looked at this question in our article in the American Journal of Political Science.

The Washington Post

Now that this is changing, it's time to look closely at this question.

The Guardian - Business

But years of intensive peering at this question haven't yet provided much clarity.

Yale University

A small study published in The Journal of Neuroscience looked at this question.

Harvard University

Paul Michelman: So, we're going to look at this question across three dimensions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Whenever I read this feature, I always give a little shudder at this question.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at this question" to clearly indicate a direct response or reaction to a specific question that has just been posed or is under consideration. This helps maintain focus and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at this question" when referring to a general topic or concept. It's best suited for immediate reactions or responses to a particular question, not as a general introductory phrase. Ensure the question is clearly defined in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this question" functions as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the point at which someone is reacting, responding, or focusing their attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as an indicator of response or reference to a specific question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at this question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a response or reaction to a specific question. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to connect the speaker's words or actions to the question, offering clarity and context. Its usage is prevalent in various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, with a neutral register suitable for diverse scenarios. While grammatically sound, writers should be mindful of the specific context to ensure that its usage aligns with its intended meaning. Alternatives such as "in response to this query" or "regarding this inquiry" can be considered for stylistic variation or to emphasize a particular nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addressing this question

Highlights the act of tackling or dealing with the specific question.

about this inquiry

A more straightforward and slightly less formal substitution for "at this question".

in response to this query

Explicitly indicates a response to a specific query.

with respect to this question

Emphasizes respect or relevance to the question at hand.

regarding this inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry", offering a slightly more formal tone.

pertaining to this inquiry

Replaces "question" with the more formal "inquiry" and uses "pertaining to" to indicate relevance.

in relation to this question

Focuses on the relationship or connection to the question.

on the subject of this question

Highlights the topic or subject being questioned.

concerning this matter

Substitutes "question" with "matter", broadening the scope to a general topic.

when considering this point

Shifts the focus to considering a specific point rather than directly addressing a question.

FAQs

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

You can use "at this question" to introduce a reaction or response to a specific inquiry. For example, "At this question, she paused thoughtfully before answering".

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

Alternatives include "in response to this query", "regarding this inquiry", or "concerning this matter", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to start a formal essay with "at this question"?

While grammatically correct, starting a formal essay with "at this question" might sound abrupt. Consider using a more elaborate introductory phrase like "with regard to this matter" or "concerning this issue" to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "at this question" and "to this question"?

"At this question" often implies a direct reaction or emotional response, whereas "to this question" typically indicates a more analytical or factual answer. For instance, "At this question, he became defensive," versus "To this question, there are several possible answers".