individuals in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "individuals in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to specific people being discussed or considered in a particular context. Example: "The report focuses on the individuals in question and their roles in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even the "Russian" is a misnomer – the individuals in question were frequently Ukrainian, Latvian, Belarussian, Georgian.

The Guardian - Arts

These titles will be removed and we will address the individuals in question directly.

Independent

Luckily Mr. Weitz had one of the individuals in question at his disposal.

The New York Times

By dialling the number, the individuals in question can obtain advice and help with travel documents.

The Economist

The individuals in question were not there to represent a sexual minority, even if they were representatives of it.

The Guardian - Books

Cameron said "there was clear evidence of the individuals in question planning and directing armed attacks against the UK".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal documents, consider using "persons concerned" as a more formal alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "individuals in question" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the people involved" or "those people".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "individuals in question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as a determiner plus a noun to identify specific people under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "individuals in question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to denote specific individuals within a given context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally correct and applicable in written English. It finds frequent use in news, scientific, and formal business settings, with a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure clarity by clearly defining who the "individuals in question" are, and consider simpler alternatives in informal contexts. Related phrases include "the persons concerned" and "the parties involved".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the persons concerned

Replaces "individuals" with the more formal "persons" and uses "concerned" to indicate relevance.

the parties involved

Focuses on the involvement of the people in a particular situation or agreement.

the relevant individuals

Emphasizes the relevance of the people to the matter at hand.

the subjects in question

Uses "subjects" which is common in research or formal settings.

the aforementioned individuals

Refers back to individuals previously mentioned, adding a sense of formality.

the specified individuals

Highlights that the individuals have been precisely identified.

the people under discussion

Specifies that the individuals are currently being talked about.

those involved

A more concise way to refer to people participating in something.

the implicated parties

Suggests the individuals are connected to something, often negative.

the actors in this matter

Implies the individuals play a role in a specific event or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "individuals in question" to refer to specific people being discussed or considered in a particular context. For example, "The investigation focused on the "individuals in question" and their alleged involvement."

What are some alternatives to "individuals in question"?

You can use alternatives like "the persons concerned", "the parties involved", or "the relevant individuals" depending on the context.

Is "individuals in question" formal or informal?

"Individuals in question" is generally considered a semi-formal to formal phrase. In more casual contexts, using simpler alternatives is usually more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the individuals in question" and "the person in question"?

"The individuals in question" refers to multiple people, while "the person in question" refers to a single person. Ensure you use the correct form based on the number of people you are referring to.