just a question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just a question of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is merely a matter of a specific issue or consideration. Example: "It's just a question of time before we see the results of our efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's just a question of enforcement".

The New York Times

"It's just a question of vocabulary".

The Economist

It's just a question of time".

The New York Times

It was just a question of who?

Independent

Just a question of clarification.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's not just a question of age.

The New Yorker

That isn't just a question of style.

The New Yorker

"It's not just a question of sponsorship".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's just a question of priorities.

The Washington Post

It's just a question of degree.

Harvard Business Review

It's just a question of finding it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just a question of" to succinctly indicate that the remaining obstacle is a single, identifiable factor. This highlights the simplicity of the remaining task.

Common error

Avoid using "just a question of" when the situation involves multiple significant variables or uncertainty. Overusing it can undermine the complexities of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just a question of" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the primary determinant of a situation or outcome hinges upon a specific element. Ludwig suggests that it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase. It presents the remaining challenge as singular and definable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just a question of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight a key, singular factor determining an outcome, according to Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media, it presents a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the situation genuinely hinges on the identified factor, avoiding oversimplification of complex scenarios. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and widespread applicability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a matter of

Replaces "just" with "merely", emphasizing the simplicity of the determining factor.

simply a matter of

Uses "simply" instead of "just", highlighting the straightforward nature of the dependency.

only a question of

Substitutes "just" with "only", stressing the singularity of the determining factor.

primarily a question of

Adds emphasis by specifying that the matter is "primarily" about a certain aspect.

largely a question of

Replaces "just" with "largely", suggesting the factor is a major but not exclusive determinant.

mainly a question of

Similar to "largely", indicating a principal determining factor.

it boils down to

Shifts the expression to an idiom indicating the core issue.

it hinges on

Uses a metaphor to convey that the outcome depends critically on a single point.

dependent on

Focuses on the conditionality of the situation.

contingent upon

Emphasizes a formal condition for the outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "just a question of"?

You can use alternatives like "merely a matter of", "simply a matter of", or "only a question of" depending on the context.

Is "just a question of" formal or informal?

"Just a question of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, alternatives like "dependent on" or "contingent upon" might be more appropriate.

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

Use "just a question of" when you want to convey that a specific outcome hinges primarily on a single factor or condition, and that removing this obstacle would lead to a resolution.

What's the difference between "just a question of" and "a matter of"?

"Just a question of" is more specific, suggesting a single point of resolution, whereas "a matter of" is broader and can refer to general considerations without pinpointing a specific obstacle.