it was a question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a question of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular issue or matter is being discussed or considered. Example: "In the end, it was a question of trust that determined the outcome of the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

Perhaps it was a question of equilibrium.

The New York Times - Food

"It was a question of credibility".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's a question of fulfilling it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a question of", ensure that the noun following 'of' clearly and concisely identifies the critical factor being considered. For instance, "It was a question of timing" is more effective than "It was a question of a lot of things."

Common error

Avoid using "it was a question of" repeatedly in long, convoluted sentences. This can make your writing sound repetitive and unclear. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use more direct language to express the key factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a question of" serves as an introductory phrase that highlights the primary factor or consideration in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, functioning to set the stage for explaining the deciding element in a decision or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a question of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce the primary factor influencing a situation, according to Ludwig AI. It functions to emphasize the critical aspect that determined a particular result or decision. While usable in a variety of contexts, it is most commonly found in news and media sources, with a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, ensure that the noun following 'of' concisely identifies the key factor to avoid repetitive sentence structures. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "it was a question of" to add clarity and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it hinged on

Focuses on the dependence of a result on a specific point, emphasizing the pivotal role of that point.

the deciding factor was

Highlights the element that ultimately determined the outcome, emphasizing its importance.

it boiled down to

Indicates that the core issue simplified to a fundamental consideration, suggesting a reduction to essentials.

the key consideration was

Emphasizes that a specific aspect was the most important thing to think about.

it turned on

Implies that the result depended directly on a certain condition or aspect, similar to "hinged on".

the crux of the matter was

Indicates the most vital or difficult point of an issue, pinpointing the central problem.

the heart of the issue was

Identifies the core or most important aspect of a problem or situation, emphasizing centrality.

the determining element was

Singles out a particular element as the one that decided the result, underlining its decisive nature.

it revolved around

Suggests that the entire situation centered on a particular aspect, highlighting its importance to everything else.

the primary concern was

Indicates that a specific worry or interest was the most important, prioritizing it above other considerations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was a question of" in my writing?

Consider using phrases such as "it hinged on", "the deciding factor was", or "it boiled down to depending on the context" to add variety and precision to your expression.

Is "it was a question of" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was a question of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, consider using alternatives that may sound more sophisticated, such as "the determining factor was" or "the central issue was".

When is it appropriate to use "it was a question of"?

Use "it was a question of" when you want to emphasize that a decision, outcome, or situation depended primarily on a specific factor or consideration. It's appropriate when highlighting the critical element that influenced the result.

What are some common nouns that follow "it was a question of"?

Common nouns that follow "it was a question of" include "timing", "money", "credibility", "character", "will", "necessity", and "priorities". The specific noun should clearly identify the key factor being discussed.