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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
paper in question
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "paper in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific paper or document that has been previously mentioned or is under discussion. Example: "In the paper in question, the authors present a novel approach to data analysis that challenges existing methodologies."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
The paper in question does not uncover new facts.
News & Media
Danish officials are trying their best to play down the significance of the paper in question.
News & Media
This is especially true if the paper in question is delayed, ignored or never served.
News & Media
O.K., there's something I didn't tell you: The paper in question was published in June 1939.
News & Media
Note that there must be an author and a title of the page or paper in question.
News & Media
The paper in question was the Yorkshire Post for which he reviewed, among others, Updike, Nabokov, Brooke-Rose and Lessing.
News & Media
Much of that cultural shift is courtesy of James Watson and Francis Crick, the authors of the paper in question.
News & Media
On paper, this has great potential — at least if the paper in question is the call sheet, crammed with sharp comedy actors.
News & Media
In almost two out of three cases, the author disagreed with Cook's team about the message of the paper in question.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
(The "papers" in question are divorce papers).
News & Media
"The papers in question are often accused of promoting a 'scrounger rhetoric' with regard to claimants.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "paper in question", ensure the context clearly identifies which specific paper you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by referencing it earlier in the text or providing a brief identifier.
Common error
Avoid using "paper in question" without clearly establishing which paper you're referencing. This can lead to confusion if multiple papers are mentioned in the same discussion.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "paper in question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner phrase. It identifies a particular paper that has been previously mentioned or is the current focus of discussion. Ludwig examples confirm its use in academic, news, and general contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
53%
Science
29%
Academia
9%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Reference
2%
Wiki
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "paper in question" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to refer to a specific document that has been previously mentioned or is under discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "document in question" or "article in question" exist, it’s crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly identifying the paper being referenced. The phrase is best suited for neutral to formal communication, maintaining precision and avoiding ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
document in question
Replaces "paper" with the broader term "document", widening the scope to include any written material.
article in question
Substitutes "paper" with "article", implying a published piece of writing.
report in question
Replaces "paper" with "report", suggesting a more formal or investigative document.
study in question
Replaces "paper" with "study", implying a research-oriented document.
the aforementioned paper
Uses "aforementioned" to refer back to a previously mentioned paper.
the subject paper
Highlights the paper as the topic of discussion.
the relevant paper
Emphasizes the paper's pertinence to the current context.
the paper under consideration
Indicates that the paper is currently being evaluated or discussed.
the paper at hand
Refers to the paper that is currently being dealt with.
the discussed paper
Indicates that the paper has been talked about previously.
FAQs
How can I use "paper in question" in a sentence?
You can use "paper in question" to refer to a specific document that you've already mentioned or are currently discussing, as in, "The "paper in question" provides a detailed analysis of the economic impact."
What can I say instead of "paper in question"?
You can use alternatives like "document in question", "article in question", or "the aforementioned paper" depending on the context.
Is it okay to use "paper in question" in formal writing?
Yes, "paper in question" is appropriate for formal writing as long as the context makes it clear which specific paper you're referring to. Clarity is key in formal communication.
What's the difference between "paper in question" and "the paper at hand"?
"Paper in question" refers to a specific paper previously mentioned or under discussion, while "the paper at hand" usually refers to the paper you are currently dealing with or analyzing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested