looking at this question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking at this question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are considering or analyzing a specific question. Example: "Looking at this question, we can see that there are multiple perspectives to consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I welcome Ofcom looking at this question in their PSB Review and it's clear that this will be one of the big debates in Charter Review.

The Guardian

Both the EU and the OFT have been looking at this question and, while they seem unlikely to take to the industry with a stick, there's no question that the days of wild west liberties and devil-may-care attitudes to the digitisation of removing money from children are basically over.

The Guardian - Tech

Despite such numbers, the United States Preventive Services Task Force concluded in 2004 that although clinicians should "be alert" for signs of violence, there was insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening asymptomatic patients for domestic abuse — mainly because of a dearth of large-scale scientific studies looking at this question.

The New York Times - Health

Still, Quinn's study is "the biggest, best study ever done" looking at this question, says Dangour.

Science Magazine

Another way of looking at this question is to consider, for each process type, where the presumed agent of the process is the author (or authors), or a group which includes him, what the chances are of it being encoded as an active with a first person pronoun subject.

Functional Linguistics

We were particularly interested in determining whether plant diversity impacted denitrification, a microbial process, because of the variable results observed in previous studies looking at this question [22], [23].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This is a reversal from the last time Pew looked at this question, in 1997.

The New York Times

Anderson Cooper's CNN program, 360, commissioned new research designed to look at this question further.

The New York Times

To look at this question, three colleagues and I conducted an experiment.

The New York Times

"You cannot look at this question as simply being about money in the short term.

The Guardian

The National Academy of Sciences has also formed a committee to look at this question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking at this question" in academic writing, ensure it is followed by a clear indication of the scope and methodology of your analysis. This provides context and clarifies the direction of your inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "looking at this question" without specifying which aspects of the question you are addressing. Overgeneralizing can lead to unfocused analysis and weaken your argument. Be specific about your approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking at this question" functions as an introductory phrase, often used to signal the beginning of an analysis, discussion, or exploration of a particular topic. It sets the stage for further investigation, as supported by Ludwig examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking at this question" serves as a versatile introductory phrase, signaling the commencement of an analytical or exploratory examination of a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. To enhance clarity, it is advisable to avoid overgeneralization by specifying the aspects of the question under consideration. While its register is generally neutral, alternatives like "examining this issue" or "investigating this query" can add a layer of formality. This phrase is useful across various fields and settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinking about this question

Uses a more casual term, "thinking", suggesting a less formal and potentially preliminary consideration.

examining this issue

Replaces "question" with "issue", focusing on a problem or matter of debate.

considering this matter

Replaces "question" with the broader term "matter", indicating a subject of discussion or concern.

investigating this query

Uses "query" as a more formal synonym for "question" and "investigating" to imply a deeper examination.

analyzing this problem

Substitutes "question" with "problem", shifting the context to a difficulty needing resolution.

reviewing this inquiry

Implies a formal or systematic examination of the "inquiry".

assessing this point

Focuses on a specific "point" or aspect of the discussion that needs evaluation.

studying this topic

Emphasizes a more in-depth and academic approach to the "topic".

exploring this subject

Suggests a more open-ended and less structured inquiry into the "subject".

delving into this area

Suggests a thorough and detailed examination of a specific field or "area".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "looking at this question" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "examining this issue", "investigating this query", or "considering this matter". These options add a layer of professional distance to your writing.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "looking at this question"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "looking at this question" can sometimes sound informal. To improve flow, consider incorporating it into a clause or using a transitional phrase. For example, "When "analyzing this problem", we must consider..."

What's the difference between "looking at this question" and "addressing this question"?

"Looking at this question" implies an analytical or exploratory approach, whereas "addressing this question" suggests a more direct attempt to provide an answer or solution. The choice depends on the context and your communicative goal.

Which sources frequently use the phrase "looking at this question"?

The phrase "looking at this question" appears in a variety of sources, including news media like The Guardian and The New York Times, as well as scientific publications. This indicates its broad applicability across different contexts.