not in question

USAGE SUMMARY

"not in question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is certain and not in doubt. For example, "The value of hard work is not in question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who's not in question?

The New York Times - Sports

His own integrity is not in question.

The Economist

Hill's guilt is not in question.

The Guardian

His identity is not in question.

The New York Times

His competence is not in question.

The New Yorker

His good intentions are not in question.

The Economist

That was not in question.

The New York Times

This is not in question.

The New York Times

His fitness is not in question.

The Guardian - Sport

"The authenticity is not in question".

The Guardian - Books

That much is not in question.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not in question" to emphasize that a particular aspect or fact is already established and does not require further discussion or proof. It adds a tone of certainty and can help streamline arguments by focusing on areas still open for debate.

Common error

While versatile, "not in question" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "certain" or "obvious" to maintain a natural tone in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in question" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is certain or beyond doubt. It is used to express that a particular aspect or fact is already established and requires no further discussion, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in question" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate certainty and agreement on a specific point. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase, serving to emphasize that something is beyond doubt. While it maintains a neutral register, its overuse in very informal settings can sound unnatural. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it is predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, making it a useful tool for establishing common ground and streamlining discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unquestionable

Directly mirrors the meaning of the original phrase but is slightly more formal.

beyond dispute

Similar to "beyond doubt" but more explicitly refers to a disagreement.

beyond doubt

Emphasizes the absence of any doubt.

indisputable

Stresses that the point is beyond argument or debate.

undeniable

Focuses on the impossibility of denying the truth or validity.

incontrovertible

A more formal synonym for indisputable, suggesting overwhelming evidence.

certain

Highlights the assuredness and lack of uncertainty.

uncontested

Implies there's no challenge or opposition to the point.

established

Suggests the point has been proven and is accepted.

a given

Indicates something that is assumed or known to be true.

FAQs

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

Use "not in question" to indicate that something is certain and agreed upon. For example, "The importance of education is "not in question"." This means that everyone agrees education is important.

What are some alternatives to saying "not in question"?

You can use alternatives such as "beyond doubt", "undeniable", or "certain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "not in question" or "not up for debate"?

"Not in question" and "not up for debate" are similar, but "not up for debate" implies a deliberate decision to avoid discussion, while "not in question" suggests a generally accepted fact. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "not in question" and "unclear"?

"Not in question" means something is certain, while "unclear" means it is uncertain or ambiguous. They are opposites. If something is "not in question", its validity or truth is confirmed, in contrast with "unclear".