is not the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular point or issue being discussed is not the main concern or inquiry at hand. Example: "While many people are debating the details of the plan, the real issue is not the question of feasibility, but rather the question of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it fair or not fair is not the question.

The New York Times

" 'Isn't it a neat building?' is not the question," said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of the Historic Districts Council, which did not support the plan.

The New York Times

But that is not the question.

The New Yorker

That is not the question in this referendum.

Independent

"Happiness is not the question here," Appignanesi writes.

The Guardian - Books

But independence is not the question on the ballot paper in the general election.

The Economist

That is not the question people usually ask about a play I wrote.

The New York Times

Whether these women are/were married or not is not the question.

The New York Times

Whether we could be successful outside the European Union is not the question.

Independent

In a way, though, this is not the question the Greek government should be asking itself.

The Guardian - Business

In any case, to be wealthy or not to be wealthy is not the question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not the question" to steer a discussion toward the most critical aspect, especially when participants are focused on less important details. This helps to maintain focus and productivity in discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "is not the question" in contexts where acknowledging the initial question is still relevant. Ensure that dismissing the question doesn't invalidate or disregard important perspectives or information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not the question" functions as a discourse marker. It serves to redirect attention from a currently discussed topic, which the speaker deems irrelevant or less important, towards what they consider the more pertinent issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound way to steer a conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not the question" is a versatile phrase used to redirect discussions toward what is deemed the most important or relevant issue. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that it appropriately shifts the focus without dismissing valuable perspectives. Alternatives like "that's beside the point" or "the real question is" can be used to achieve similar effects. Remember that the primary goal is to streamline the conversation and highlight the core issues at hand. While the phrase is useful, context and sensitivity are paramount to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's beside the point

Changes the structure to an idiomatic expression indicating irrelevance.

that's not the relevant issue

Replaces "question" with "issue" and adds "relevant" for emphasis.

the real question is

Emphasizes the importance of the actual question to be considered.

the key issue is

Highlights the most important issue to be considered.

that's a secondary concern

Highlights that the initial topic is of lesser importance.

that's not what matters

Changes the structure to emphasize the unimportance of something.

the focus should be on

Shifts the focus to the correct aspect to be addressed.

the primary concern is

Highlights the major concern to be addressed.

that's not the core of the matter

Uses "core of the matter" instead of "question" for a different nuance.

we should be asking

Directly states what the appropriate question should be.

FAQs

How can I use "is not the question" effectively in a sentence?

Use "is not the question" to redirect the focus of a discussion or argument to the most pertinent issue. For example, instead of debating minor details, you might say, "The budget size "is not the question"; the effectiveness of its allocation is what truly matters."

What are some alternatives to using "is not the question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that's beside the point", "the real question is", or "that's not the relevant issue". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is not the question"?

Yes, "is not the question" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English syntax and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between saying "is not the question" and "is not the issue"?

While similar, "is not the question" specifically targets the inquiry or problem being discussed, whereas "is not the issue" broadens the scope to any point of contention or concern. The choice depends on whether you're addressing a specific question or a more general problem.