question at issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"question at issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an essential point or query that is being discussed or debated. For example, "The question at issue was whether or not they should build the new highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The basic question at issue should be winter access.

The New York Times

But perhaps they might say this was the very question at issue.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The limited scope of the question at issue is made clear by the present record.

Cornell University

"The term phony is the question at issue," Mr. Borsody said.

The New York Times

The question at issue is whether the application at Portland has been wise.

The Guardian

Co. v. Convertible Top Replacement Co., 377 U. S. 476 (Aro II), resolves the question at issue.

Cornell University

The question at issue is a common one: Who is ultimately responsible for long-term residents of a country?

The New York Times

Yet its physical meaning is still a question at issue, as the scale at which it occurs is not clearly defined.

Icarus

"Congress has spoken to the precise question at issue — whether federal funds may be used for research in which an embryo is destroyed," Lamberth wrote.

The New Yorker

Three biologists claim today to have resolved the question at issue between anglers and animal rights activists – can fish feel pain?

Independent

"Ultimately, however, this court need not choose between the competing interpretations," he wrote, because the law "is ambiguous as to the precise question at issue".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question at issue" to clearly define the specific problem or disagreement being addressed in your writing or speech.

Common error

Avoid using "question at issue" in very casual conversations; opt for simpler phrases like "what we're talking about" or "the main thing" for better suitability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question at issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the specific point of contention, inquiry, or debate in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting examples where it clarifies the central problem being addressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

34%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "question at issue" is a versatile phrase used to pinpoint the central point of debate or inquiry. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards formal and should be used judiciously in casual settings. Employing this phrase ensures clarity and helps focus discussions on the most relevant aspects. Remember to consider suitable alternatives like "point in question" or "matter in dispute" to suit the specific context and formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point in question

Replaces "question" with "point", focusing on a specific item under consideration.

matter in dispute

Emphasizes the disagreement or conflict surrounding the issue.

subject under discussion

Highlights the topic currently being talked about.

topic at hand

Focuses on the immediate subject being dealt with.

issue under consideration

Emphasizes a formal review or evaluation of the problem.

core concern

Highlights the most important worry or focus point.

central problem

Highlights the main difficulty that is under consideration.

key inquiry

Focuses on the most important question to be answered.

fundamental disagreement

Emphasizes the root cause of the dissension.

essential argument

Highlights the crucial line of reasoning being discussed.

FAQs

How can I use "question at issue" in a sentence?

Use "question at issue" to pinpoint the central disagreement or problem being discussed. For example, "The "topic at hand" is whether the proposed changes will actually improve efficiency".

What can I say instead of "question at issue"?

You can use alternatives like "point in question", "matter in dispute", or "subject under discussion" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "question at issue" or "the issue at question"?

"Question at issue" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing. "The issue at question" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "question at issue" and "matter at hand"?

"Question at issue" typically refers to a point of disagreement or debate, while "matter at hand" generally refers to the immediate topic or task being addressed.