not open to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not open to question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is certain or indisputable, often in contexts where a statement or fact is being asserted as true without room for doubt. Example: "The results of the experiment are not open to question; they have been verified by multiple independent sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Lenin's pronouncements, except those uncomplimentary to Stalin, were codified as axioms not open to question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Santorum's positions are perfectly logical if you accept his founding presuppositions — but, in his view, those presuppositions are not open to question.

The New York Times

In particular, Skolem thinks that set theory lacks the resources to provide a foundation for ordinary arithmetic on his view, arithmetic is "clear, natural and not open to question," while set theory itself is far more problematic.

SEP

That an action of ejectment could be maintained on an Indian right to occupancy and use, is not open to question.

Wikipedia

In Marsh v. Brooks (1850), in dicta, the Court declared: "That an action of ejectment could be maintained on an Indian right to occupancy and use, is not open to question".

Wikipedia

The Taney Court (1836 1864), in Marsh v. Brooks (1850), went further in declaring that the holder of aboriginal title could obtain ejectment, stating: "That an action of ejectment could be maintained on an Indian right to occupancy and use, is not open to question".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Did the dog with the missing leg somehow lose the limb because of fracking, as a dramatic cut would have us believe?" Still, "most of Mr. Fox's material isn't open to question," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It resonates because the "I am" part of that statement isn't open to question (in the way that "I am an Occupy Wall Street protester" would come down to whether you actually were in Zuccotti Park or not).

Huffington Post

His explanations of the links between the quantitiy of money and business cycles were persuasive but not as lasting and are now open to question.

The Economist

It would be surprising if such trust were unanimous, especially because Cameron's basic diagnosis of the party — that it was fit to rule but not built to win — is now open to question.

The New York Times

Most of Mr. Fox's material isn't open to question, however.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "not open to question" to firmly establish a point as fact, especially when addressing potential opposition or clarifying understanding. This is particularly effective in persuasive writing or legal contexts where clarity and certainty are paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "not open to question" when discussing subjective opinions or matters of personal preference. This phrase is best reserved for objective facts or well-established truths to avoid appearing dogmatic or dismissive of other viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not open to question" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, asserting that the subject is beyond dispute or doubt. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is deemed correct and usable in written English. It categorically states a point as definitively true.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not open to question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to assert that a statement is beyond doubt or dispute. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and effective in establishing certainty. While relatively uncommon, it appears mostly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, lending itself to formal contexts. When using the phrase, reserve it for objective facts to avoid seeming dogmatic. Alternatives like "indisputable" or "beyond dispute" can offer similar levels of certainty with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Indisputable

A more concise adjective emphasizing the certainty and lack of dispute.

Beyond dispute

Emphasizes that the matter is settled and cannot be argued.

Unquestionable

Highlights the lack of reason to question the matter.

Undeniable

Focuses on the impossibility of denying the truth or fact.

Certain

A simpler term expressing confidence and lack of doubt.

Irrefutable

Highlights the impossibility of refuting or disproving the point.

Beyond doubt

Indicates that there is no reason to doubt the truth.

Incontrovertible

A more formal term indicating that the matter cannot be disputed.

Definite

A straightforward way of saying something is clearly established.

Conclusive

Suggests that the evidence is decisive and resolves any uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "not open to question" to indicate that something is indisputable or certain. For example, "The validity of the scientific method is not open to question."

What are some alternatives to "not open to question"?

Alternatives include "indisputable", "beyond dispute", or "unquestionable", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "not up for debate" instead of "not open to question"?

"Not up for debate" is a similar phrase and can be used interchangeably in many contexts, though it may carry a slightly more informal tone than "not open to question".

What is the nuance between "not open to question" and "uncontroversial"?

"Not open to question" implies that something is definitively settled and beyond dispute, whereas "uncontroversial" suggests that something simply doesn't cause disagreement, but might still be debated in theory. A scientific fact would be "not open to question", while a popular movie may be merely "uncontroversial".