item in question

USAGE SUMMARY

"item in question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a specific item in a discussion or conversation. For example, "The item in question is valued at $1000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The item in question was 16 stone of edible snails.

The Guardian

Often, the item in question is not even an insect.

The New Yorker

Usually the item in question is merely a bit disappointing.

The Guardian - Opinion

We'll start by examining the item in question.

The New York Times

Actually, the item in question was more mundane.

The New York Times

The item in question was a tailored jacket in plum velour.

The New Yorker

But this is an emergency, and the item in question is not a luxury object.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now imagine that upgrading the item in question requires you to have surgery.

The Economist

If, that is, the item in question isn't an evening gown or a pair of earrings.

The New York Times - Tech

The accounting item in question is the deferred-tax asset (DTA).

The Economist

Its strength seems to relate to the evolutionary salience of the item in question.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "item in question" to clearly identify a specific object or subject when it has already been introduced or is central to the discussion. This avoids ambiguity and keeps the focus clear for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "item in question" when a simpler pronoun like "it" or "this" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "item in question" functions as a post-modifying noun phrase, specifying a particular item that has been previously mentioned or is central to the current discussion. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatical and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "item in question" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to pinpoint a specific subject or object under consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its prevalence across diverse sources, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, underscores its utility in maintaining clarity and focus within written and spoken discourse. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in simplistic situations where pronouns or more direct references would suffice. Alternatives such as "matter in question" or "subject at hand" offer nuanced substitutions depending on the context. By adhering to best practices and mindful application, writers can leverage "item in question" effectively to enhance precision and prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter in question

Replaces "item" with "matter", focusing on the subject being discussed rather than a tangible object.

subject at hand

Shifts the focus from a specific item to the topic currently being addressed.

topic under discussion

Emphasizes the conversational or debated aspect of the item.

issue at stake

Highlights the importance or potential consequences related to the item.

point in question

Focuses on a specific aspect or detail that is being questioned or examined.

element under consideration

Highlights the act of carefully thinking about a particular component.

aspect in focus

Draws attention to a specific feature or part being emphasized.

detail being examined

Emphasizes the act of scrutinizing a particular aspect closely.

object of inquiry

Positions the item as the focus of investigation or questioning.

thing being discussed

Offers a more general and less formal way to refer to the item.

FAQs

How can I use "item in question" in a sentence?

Use "item in question" to refer back to something previously mentioned. For example, "The package arrived damaged. The "item in question" was a fragile vase."

What's a more informal way to say "item in question"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the thing we're talking about", "the matter at hand", or simply "it".

Is it ever wrong to use "item in question"?

While grammatically correct, overuse can sound stilted. Avoid it in very casual conversation or when the referent is perfectly clear from the immediate context.

What's the difference between "item in question" and "issue in question"?

"Item in question" typically refers to a tangible object or specific thing, while "issue in question" usually refers to a problem, topic, or matter of debate.