it was a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was posed as a question in a conversation or text. Example: "During the discussion, I realized that it was a question I had never considered before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But "it was a question of dollars and cents".

The New York Times

"It was a question of speed".

The New York Times

Perhaps it was a question of expectations.

The New York Times - Food

It was a question of timing.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a question of character.

The New York Times

It was a question of money.

The New York Times

It was a question of will.

The New Yorker

It was a question of neurochemistry.

The New Yorker

"It was a question of credibility".

The New York Times

"It was a question of funds.

The Guardian - Tech

Often it was a question of terminology.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a question" to introduce a problem, dilemma, or subject of debate in your writing to clearly signal that further exploration or analysis will follow.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it was a question". Vary your sentence structure to keep your writing engaging and prevent it from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a question" functions as an introductory clause to highlight a particular issue, problem, or point of consideration. As shown in Ludwig, it sets the stage for explaining the nature of the dilemma or inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for introducing a problem, dilemma, or point of inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a broad range of written English, although often found in news and media contexts. While it's an effective way to introduce a topic requiring further examination, it's important to vary sentence structure to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "the issue revolved around" or "the matter at hand was" can offer similar meanings, and the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central query was

Replaces "question" with its synonym "query", keeping the structure almost identical but sounding more formal.

the crux of the matter was

Highlights the most important point or aspect, framing it as the core of the issue, rather than a question.

the issue revolved around

Focuses on the central problem or subject being discussed, rather than explicitly framing it as a question.

the problem was centered on

Highlights the core problem or challenge, downplaying the notion of direct inquiry.

the matter at hand was

Shifts the emphasis to the subject or problem that needed addressing, similar to a question prompting action.

the main concern involved

Replaces the direct question with the concept of concern, indicating a subject of worry or uncertainty.

the uncertainty lay in

Focuses on the lack of certainty, making it less about a direct question and more about ambiguity.

the point of contention was

Emphasizes the disagreement or debate surrounding the subject, instead of a mere question.

the unknown aspect was

Highlights the uncertainty or lack of information, shifting the focus from the act of questioning.

the puzzle was about

Uses "puzzle" as a metaphor for a question, implying something that needs solving or figuring out.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a question" in a sentence?

You can use "it was a question" to introduce a problem or dilemma. For example: "It was a question of money." or "It was a question of timing."

What are some alternatives to "it was a question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the issue revolved around", "the matter at hand was", or "the problem was centered on", depending on the context.

Is "it was a question of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was a question of" is grammatically correct. It is often used to introduce the core element or subject of the inquiry, such as "it was a question of timing" or "it was a question of money".

How can I avoid overusing "it was a question" in my writing?

To avoid overuse, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms or related phrases. For example, instead of "it was a question of funds", you might say "the issue revolved around funding" or "funding was the primary concern".