object in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "object in question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a specific object within a larger context, and you want to emphasize or call attention to the object. For example: The object in question was found on the kitchen counter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What faults may have existed with the object in question?

The New York Times

In "Happy Love," the object in question is the hamster, Peanut.

The New Yorker

An airline spokesman said later the object in question was a comb.

The New York Times

PERETTI: But they're somehow telling, because the object in question is interesting.

The New York Times

Only together are they able to view the object in question accurately and in its entirety.

The New York Times - Books

I kept asking what he was looking for and then the object in question finally appeared.

The New York Times

But the "unauthorized object" in question was a 17-inch American flag that he had placed in a flower pot.

The Washington Post

Sitting right there, stage right, is the object in question: a handsome upright piano decorated with exquisitely hand-carved faces.

The New York Times

As in his anatomical drawings, Leonardo developed definite principles of graphic representation stylization, patterns, and diagrams that offer a precise demonstration of the object in question.

Britannica

Study the visual evidence and the object in question looks like a marker: not round enough to be a coin, but similarly sized and solid-looking.

The Guardian

The object in question can be a packet or a jar and can also be a text, such as a proverb or a song lyric.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "object in question", ensure the context has already introduced or implied the object. The phrase works best as a reference point, not an initial introduction.

Common error

Avoid using "object in question" when a simpler term or pronoun would suffice. Overusing it in straightforward situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object in question" functions as a noun phrase used to refer back to a specific item that has already been introduced or is understood within the context. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it allows writers to clearly identify which object they are discussing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "object in question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to refer back to a specific item in a discussion. As Ludwig AI explains, its primary function is to provide clarity, particularly in formal contexts like news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedia entries. While simpler alternatives exist for informal communication, mastering the use of "object in question" can improve precision in your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure the item has been previously introduced for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

item in discussion

Replaces 'question' with 'discussion', focusing on the act of discussing rather than questioning.

matter at hand

Substitutes 'object' with 'matter' and 'question' with 'hand', emphasizing the immediacy and relevance.

subject under consideration

Replaces 'object' with 'subject' and uses 'under consideration' instead of 'in question', providing a more formal tone.

item being investigated

Changes 'object' to 'item' and 'in question' to 'being investigated', highlighting an active inquiry.

topic of interest

Replaces 'object' with 'topic' and 'in question' with 'of interest', shifting the focus to the topic's appeal.

thing being referred to

Simplifies the phrase by using 'thing' and 'being referred to', making it less formal.

issue in focus

Substitutes 'object' with 'issue' and 'question' with 'focus', emphasizing a problem or point of contention.

element under scrutiny

Replaces 'object' with 'element' and uses 'under scrutiny' instead of 'in question', highlighting careful examination.

entity in concern

Replaces 'object' with 'entity' and 'question' with 'concern', indicating something that is causing worry or attention.

point at issue

Replaces 'object' with 'point' and 'question' with 'issue', emphasizing a specific detail or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "object in question" in a sentence?

Use "object in question" when you need to refer back to a specific item that has already been mentioned or is understood within the context. For example, "After examining several samples, the "object in question" was determined to be contaminated."

What are some alternatives to saying "object in question"?

Depending on the context, you could use "item in discussion", "matter at hand", or "subject under consideration". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and clarity of your writing.

Is it appropriate to use "object in question" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "object in question" is generally more suited for formal or neutral writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "the item" or "the thing" might be more appropriate.

When should I avoid using the phrase "object in question"?

Avoid using "object in question" if the item is already perfectly clear from the immediate context. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound pretentious. For instance, if you can simply say "the item" or "it", that would be preferable.