is an open question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is an open question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is still uncertain or not yet decided. Example: "Whether or not she will accept the job offer is an open question at this point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is an open question.

The Economist

What happens next is an open question.

The New York Times

For Hassabis, this is "an open question".

The New Yorker

Whether he succeeds is an open question.

The New York Times

This is an open question.

The Guardian - Tech

That is an open question".

The Guardian

Whether it will is an open question.

The New York Times

"That, at present, is an open question".

The Guardian

"It is an open question right now".

The New York Times

How free is an open question, however.

The New York Times

Each project is an open question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is an open question" to introduce uncertainty or highlight that a topic is still under consideration. This adds nuance to your writing and acknowledges the complexity of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "is an open question" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. While accurate, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "remains unresolved" or "is yet to be determined" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is an open question" functions as a hedge, indicating uncertainty or lack of a definitive answer. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. It introduces a topic or issue that is still under consideration or debate, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is an open question" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express uncertainty or to indicate that a topic is still under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. As evidenced by its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, this phrase is common across various writing styles and registers. While "is an open question" can be a valuable asset, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider employing alternatives such as "remains to be seen" or "is yet to be determined" to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains to be seen

Implies that the outcome will become clear over time, emphasizing uncertainty.

has no definitive answer

Highlights the absence of a clear or conclusive response.

is yet to be determined

Emphasizes that the answer is in the future and has not been decided.

is not yet clear

Stresses the lack of clarity or understanding regarding the issue.

is uncertain

Directly states the lack of certainty regarding the matter.

remains unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution, highlighting that the matter is still pending.

is debatable

Indicates that the issue is open to different interpretations and opinions.

is subject to debate

Highlights that the matter is contentious and different opinions exist.

is a matter of speculation

Suggests that conclusions are based on conjecture rather than concrete evidence.

is still up in the air

An informal way of expressing that the matter is undecided and uncertain.

FAQs

How can I use "is an open question" in a sentence?

You can use "is an open question" to indicate that something is not yet decided or is uncertain. For example, "Whether the new policy will be effective "is an open question"."

What are some alternatives to "is an open question"?

Alternatives include "remains to be seen", "is yet to be determined", or "is uncertain", depending on the specific context.

Is "is an open question" formal or informal?

"Is an open question" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What's the difference between "is an open question" and "is a closed question"?

"Is an open question" implies that the matter is unresolved and open to discussion, whereas "is a closed question" indicates that the matter is settled or has a definitive answer.