it is a question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a question of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a topic or issue that is being discussed or considered. Example: "When it comes to managing a team, it is a question of balancing different personalities and skill sets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a question of time.

The New York Times

"It is a question of how much".

The New York Times

Obviously it is a question of interpretation.

Independent

"It is a question of political will".

The New York Times

It is a question of survival.

The New York Times

It is a question of industrial capability.

The Economist

It is a question of days.

Independent

It is a question of basic democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a question of interpretation.

The New York Times - Books

"It is a question of keeping going.

Independent

"It is a question of faith.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally using alternatives like "it boils down to" or "it hinges on" to maintain reader engagement and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid embedding "it is a question of" within excessively long and complicated sentences. Keep the sentence structure clear and concise to ensure your meaning is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a question of" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for the main topic or point of consideration. It's frequently used to frame an issue or problem, as demonstrated by Ludwig in its numerous examples, where this phrase is used to introduce various aspects, such as time, interpretation, or political will. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a question of" serves as a pivotal linguistic tool to introduce core considerations or factors in various contexts. It's grammatically sound and widely accepted, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its high frequency across diverse authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, underscores its versatility and relevance in framing discussions. Whether in news articles, formal business communications, or even scientific discourse, this phrase is essential for highlighting the key element or aspect that determines an outcome, ensuring clarity and focus in communication. Mastering its use and nuances can significantly enhance one's writing and speaking skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a matter of

Suggests that the situation is determined by a particular aspect or condition.

it depends on

States a conditional relationship, where the outcome is subject to a specific factor.

it hinges on

Emphasizes the dependency of a situation on a single, crucial point.

it boils down to

Highlights the simplification of a complex matter to its most essential element.

the crux of the matter is

Pinpoints the most important or decisive point of an issue.

the heart of the matter is

Emphasizes the central and most important aspect of something.

the key issue is

Identifies the central problem or concern.

it revolves around

Indicates that something is centrally focused on a specific topic or idea.

the determining factor is

Highlights what ultimately influences the outcome.

the deciding factor is

Focuses on the element that makes the ultimate difference.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a question of" in a sentence?

Use "it is a question of" to introduce the key factor or consideration in a particular situation. For example, "Success in this project "it is a question of" teamwork and dedication".

What's a more concise way to say "it is a question of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it depends on" or "it boils down to", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is there a difference between saying "it is a question of" and "it is a matter of"?

While similar, "it is a question of" often implies an element of inquiry or debate, whereas "it is a matter of" typically indicates a straightforward fact or condition.

What are some common synonyms for "it is a question of" in formal writing?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "the key issue is" or "the determining factor is" to maintain a professional tone.