individual in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "individual in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific person being discussed or considered in a particular context. Example: "The committee will review the case of the individual in question before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem's not with the individual in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Out of context, you would be inclined to conclude the individual in question is seriously disturbed".

The Guardian - Sport

This does not only refer to private property owned by the individual in question.

Independent

The individual in question refused to be drafted and was therefore imprisoned.

Independent

Being a "personality" is no guarantee that the individual in question is particularly effective in a professional capacity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The individual in question quietly moved on; set to cause havoc and mayhem at their new organisation, presumably.

Independent

If someone scores high on verbal tests and low on spatial ones, what does that overall score tell us about the individual in question?

The Guardian - Opinion

We are currently liaising with the individual in question in a bid to understand what may have happened to her when she was a child.

The Guardian - Film

The individual in question, Mark Malone, worked from July 2002 to July 2005 for a Manhattan-based law firm, Getnick & Getnick.

The New York Times

The bar owner, Luisa Medrano, 51, was not named in the indictment, but officials have confirmed that she was the individual in question.

The New York Times

The influential individual in question is not the leader of a Super Pac or even a congressional colleague: it is his brother Larry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "individual in question" when you need a formal and neutral way to refer to someone without using their name, especially in contexts where privacy or objectivity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "individual in question" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "person" or the person's name are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "individual in question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to refer to a specific person without explicitly naming them. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "individual in question" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a specific person without explicitly naming them. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage is primarily formal, found frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the context and register, opting for simpler alternatives in informal situations. Remember, it's suitable for maintaining objectivity and privacy, but avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person in question

Direct synonym, replacing "individual" with "person" for a slightly less formal tone.

subject in question

Replaces "individual" with "subject", often used in legal or formal contexts to denote someone under investigation or discussion.

person concerned

Highlights the relevance or impact of the situation on the individual.

particular individual

Emphasizes that this is not just any person but a specific one.

party in question

Using "party" emphasizes their role or involvement in a specific situation or agreement.

relevant individual

Emphasizes the person's importance or pertinence to the matter at hand.

aforementioned individual

Refers back to someone previously mentioned, adding a sense of formality and precision.

involved individual

Highlights the individual's direct involvement in the situation.

specified individual

Highlights the clarity and precision with which the person has been identified.

named individual

Focuses on the fact that the person has been identified by name.

FAQs

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

You can use "individual in question" to refer to someone specifically, without naming them directly, such as, "The committee will review the actions of the "individual in question"."

What's a less formal alternative to "individual in question"?

A less formal alternative to "individual in question" is "person in question". Depending on the context, you could also simply use "the person" or the person's name.

Is "individual in question" always the best choice when referring to someone?

No, "individual in question" is best suited for formal or legal contexts. In everyday conversation or less formal writing, it can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives when appropriate.

What is the difference between "individual in question" and "person of interest"?

"Individual in question" is a neutral term simply referring to someone being discussed. "Person of interest" usually implies that the person is being investigated in connection with a crime or other matter of concern.