not a question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a question of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is not a matter or issue to be debated or discussed. Example: "The decision to hire the new employee was not a question of qualifications, but rather a matter of company culture fit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is not a question of mutilation.

The New Yorker

It's not a question of percentages".

The New York Times

"It's not a question of capability.

The New Yorker

"This is not a question of expertise.

The New York Times

It's not a question of if.

The New York Times

"It's not a question of money.

Independent

It's not a question of control.

The New York Times

It's not a question of touching.

The New York Times

"It's not a question of flying fast.

The New York Times

It's not a question of higher remuneration.

The New York Times

"It was not a question of arrogance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a question of" to clearly redirect focus in a discussion or argument. This helps to clarify priorities and avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "not a question of" when a simpler negation would suffice. For example, instead of saying "It's not a question of whether we should go, but when," consider "It's not whether we should go, but when." Using simpler language keeps your sentences concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a question of" functions as a disclaimer or a refutation, indicating that a particular aspect or element is not the primary consideration or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to redirect attention towards a more relevant or important factor. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from business to personal matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a question of" is a versatile phrase used to redirect focus from one aspect to another, emphasizing a different perspective or priority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it effectively clarifies priorities and avoids ambiguity. Also, consider opting for simpler alternatives, such as "it's not about", when appropriate. As supported by Ludwig's examples, this construction is valuable for nuanced and persuasive communication across varied settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not about

Shifts focus away from a particular subject or attribute.

it's not a matter of

Emphasizes that something is not the central issue or concern.

the issue isn't

Highlights a different perspective by negating a common assumption.

it doesn't concern

Indicates lack of relevance or importance to a specific area.

the real issue is

Redirects attention to what is considered the more important factor.

that's beside the point

Suggests something is irrelevant or secondary to the main topic.

it's besides the point

Similar to "that's beside the point", indicating irrelevance.

it's not so much

De-emphasizes one element while implying another is more significant.

the focus is on

Shifts the attention to a specific aspect or element.

the emphasis is on

Highlights what is considered most important or noteworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "not a question of" in a sentence?

Use "not a question of" to indicate that something is not the key issue or concern, often followed by what the actual issue is. For example, "It's "not a question of" ability, but of motivation."

What's a simpler way to say "not a question of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's not about", or "it's not a matter of". For example, instead of "It's "not a question of" money", you could say "It's "not about" money."

When is it appropriate to use "not a question of"?

It's best used when you want to redirect the focus from one aspect to another, emphasizing a different perspective or priority. It implies that the initial focus is less important than what follows.

Is "not a question of" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news, media, and professional communications. Consider your audience and the specific context when deciding if it is the most appropriate choice.