on the question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the question of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to introduce a topic that is being discussed. For example, you could say, "On the question of how to address climate change, the meeting is expected to come to a resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On the question of surcharges, the I.M.F.

The New York Times

A few words, first, on the question of money.

The New York Times

But he was flexible on the question of taxes.

The New York Times

"He was much more centred on the question of Jerusalem.

Independent

Negotiators made good progress on the question of historical crimes.

The Economist

"Perry has to reassure people on the question of electability".

Independent

Nobody voted on Thursday on the question of Murdoch.

Independent

He preferred to muse on the question of plausibility.

The New Yorker

They are sketchy on the question of weapons.

The New York Times

The story hinges on the question of guilt.

The New Yorker

On the question of censorship, Mr. Tint Swe is unequivocal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the question of" to introduce a specific issue or topic that requires careful consideration or discussion. It adds a layer of formality and signals that you are about to delve into a particular aspect of a broader subject.

Common error

Avoid using "on the question of" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the question of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a specific topic or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used to introduce a topic that is being discussed. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use across diverse subjects, from finance to ethics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the question of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce specific topics or issues within a broader discussion. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in formal contexts like news, science, and business. While alternatives exist, such as "regarding the issue of" or "concerning the matter of", "on the question of" provides a distinct level of formality. However, it's essential to avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural and appropriate tone. When used correctly, "on the question of" enhances clarity and focus in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the matter of

Replaces "question" with "matter", slightly shifting the focus to a broader concern.

concerning the issue of

Substitutes "question" with "issue", emphasizing a point of debate or importance.

in relation to the topic of

Uses "topic" instead of "question", framing the discussion in terms of a subject area.

with respect to the subject of

Employs "subject" instead of "question", indicating a specific area of knowledge or discussion.

in connection with the query of

Replaces "question" with "query", suggesting an inquiry or investigation.

pertaining to the problem of

Substitutes "question" with "problem", highlighting a challenge or difficulty being addressed.

as regards the point of

Uses "point" instead of "question", emphasizing a specific detail or argument.

in the context of the debate on

Frames the discussion as part of a "debate", suggesting opposing viewpoints.

when it comes to the discussion about

More conversational, replacing the formal "question" with a more general "discussion".

considering the matter of

Suggests a more deliberative approach, focusing on careful thought about a "matter".

FAQs

How can I use "on the question of" in a sentence?

Use "on the question of" to introduce a specific issue or topic that is under consideration. For example, "On the question of funding, we need to explore various options".

What are some alternatives to "on the question of"?

You can use phrases like "regarding the issue of", "concerning the matter of", or "with respect to the subject of" depending on the context.

Is "on the question of" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "on the question of" is suitable for formal writing. It adds a level of formality and precision when introducing a topic for discussion or analysis.

What's the difference between "on the question of" and "about"?

"On the question of" is more formal and specific than "about". While "about" can refer to a general topic, "on the question of" suggests a particular aspect or issue is being addressed.