items in question

USAGE SUMMARY

"items in question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to items that have been mentioned previously in a text, or are otherwise being discussed. For example: "The items in question have been thoroughly examined and tested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And efforts are made to keep the items in question from the scrutiny of expert eyes.

The New York Times

In response, JPMorgan, which previously said it had no such documents, produced more than 20 of the items in question.

The New York Times

Used by retailers to make their merchandise seem classier, although the items in question are not literally made to order.

The New York Times

The items in question were identified through WS Tools (Scott, 2012) over three corpora, which were subsequently compared with regard to their frequency using a log likelihood test.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"It is simply not reasonable to suppose that the items in question influenced, could have influenced, or were intended to influence investment decisions," the firm said.

The New York Times

A friend you love and trust a parent with seniority has road-tested the items in question, vetting them for safety and functionality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Feasibility: a high number of missing items in questions 3, 4 and 5 were observed.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The correlations between answers to the items concerning lack of time and answers to the items in questions 2 4 were low, below 0.300.

BMJ Open

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

The New Yorker

The item in question was 16 stone of edible snails.

The Guardian

Usually the item in question is merely a bit disappointing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "items in question" when you need to specifically refer back to things already introduced or identified in a discussion or document. It helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "items in question" without first clearly identifying what those items are. Always ensure there is a clear reference so your audience knows exactly what you're talking about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "items in question" functions as a post-modified noun phrase, specifying particular items that are relevant to a discussion or investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "items in question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to specifically reference objects or subjects already under discussion. Ludwig AI validates its broad applicability. The phrase is prevalent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register. To ensure clarity, always provide a clear antecedent for the "items in question". By using this phrase thoughtfully, writers can enhance precision and avoid ambiguity in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objects in question

Emphasizes the tangible nature of the "items", specifying them as physical objects being considered.

matters in question

Replaces "items" with "matters", shifting the focus from tangible objects to more abstract issues or subjects.

subjects in question

Substitutes "items" with "subjects", emphasizing the topic or theme being discussed or investigated.

topics in question

Replaces "items" with "topics", emphasizing the subjects or themes being discussed.

elements in question

Replaces "items" with "elements", which is used to denote the specific components or parts being considered.

issues in question

Replaces "items" with "issues", highlighting problems or points of contention that are under consideration.

points in question

Substitutes "items" with "points", shifting the focus to specific arguments or details being debated.

articles in question

Replaces "items" with "articles", often used when referring to specific clauses or items within a document or agreement.

aspects in question

Changes "items" to "aspects", emphasizing particular facets or elements that are under scrutiny or discussion.

factors in question

Substitutes "items" with "factors", which is used to highlight elements contributing to a particular outcome or situation.

FAQs

How to use "items in question" in a sentence?

Use "items in question" to refer back to specific things that have already been mentioned or identified. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, the judge focused on the "items in question" during the trial".

What can I say instead of "items in question"?

You can use alternatives like "matters in question", "subjects in question", or "issues in question" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "items in question"?

It's appropriate when you want to refer to something previously mentioned in a formal or legal context, highlighting particular objects or pieces of evidence, or topics that are under consideration.

What is the difference between "items in question" and "item in question"?

"Items in question" refers to multiple objects, while "item in question" refers to a single object. Use the plural form when discussing more than one thing.