problem in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problem in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific issue or problem that has been previously mentioned or is currently being discussed. Example: "The problem in question has been affecting our productivity for several months now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Twelve multi-loop and two one-loop procedures are suggested to solve the problem in question.

Chemical Engineering Science

THE problem in question is real and troubling, according to most experts.

The Economist

Only after that does anyone want to know the problem in question.

The New York Times

Automatic clustering allows abstraction of the DSMC algorithm from the physical system of the problem in question.

Journal of Computational Physics

It turned out, of course, that President Carter hadn't actually needed a report on the problem in question.

Harvard Business Review

In the first place, the orator must have a certain amount of prestige, and the problem in question must raise some interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If questions persist, please see the teaching assistant who graded the problem in question or the instructor (come to office hours or schedule an appointment).

Cornell University

Unlike known analogues, the problem in question is only solved using measurements of output of chaotic system and in conditions of full parametrical uncertainty.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

It is shown that the problem in question can be reduced to a stabilization problem, with a supplementary "gain constraint", for a suitably defined reduced auxiliary plant.

Systems & Control Letters

The fewer simple alternatives exist, the more likely it is that the trait we actually possess did indeed evolve to solve the problem in question.

The Guardian - Books

The trend is to automatically connect to web-based collaboration platforms in order to search for the appropriate experts to deal with the problem in question.

Procedia CIRP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "problem in question" when you want to refer back to a specific problem that has already been introduced and is the focus of the current discussion. It provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "problem in question" when the problem is already abundantly clear from the immediate context. Redundancy can make your writing sound clunky and less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problem in question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific issue under discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. The examples show it often appears after an initial mention of the problem, clarifying which issue is being addressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "problem in question" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that serves to clarify and focus discussions on a specific issue. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's most common in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best used when referring back to a previously introduced problem to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like ""issue at hand"" or "matter in question" can offer nuanced variations in tone and emphasis. Understanding its function and appropriate contexts will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue at hand

This alternative replaces "problem" with "issue" and uses "at hand" to emphasize immediacy.

matter in question

This alternative replaces "problem" with "matter", softening the tone slightly.

specific problem

This option is a more direct and simple way to mention the exact problem.

issue under consideration

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the deliberative aspect.

relevant issue

Here the subject is specified with the adjective "relevant".

challenge being addressed

This alternative focuses on the active attempt to resolve the problem.

particular challenge

This alternative replaces "problem" with "challenge" to emphasize the difficulty.

topic being discussed

This alternative broadens the scope to any topic, not necessarily a problem.

subject under discussion

Similar to "topic being discussed", this is a more general alternative.

situation at hand

This alternative broadens the context to include the entire situation, not just the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "problem in question" to refer to a specific issue previously mentioned, like: "The "issue at hand" requires immediate attention, and the "problem in question" is its lack of funding."

What can I say instead of "problem in question"?

You can use alternatives like ""issue at hand"", "matter in question", or "topic being discussed" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the problem in question"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, using "the" before "problem in question" can sometimes be redundant if the context already clearly identifies the problem. Consider whether "problem in question" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "problem in question" and "relevant issue"?

"Problem in question" refers back to a previously mentioned problem, while "relevant issue" highlights the issue's pertinence to the current discussion, regardless of whether it was previously mentioned.