question at play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question at play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific question that is currently being discussed or considered in a particular context. Example: "The question at play in this debate is whether or not we should implement stricter environmental regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Of course, there is a larger question at play here.

The New York Times

There is another question at play with Davis: where is his power?

The New York Times - Sports

The fundamental question at play in the current e-cigarette debate was also raised regarding snus: Would it be a net harm or a net benefit to public health?

Stanford University

It reminded me of a curious exchange late in the Hall v Florida oral argument that had nothing to do with the precise question at play in the case but addressed a broader question of criminal justice:JUSTICE BREYER:  …[T]his man has been on death row for over 35 years, I take it?

The Economist

First, bias is without question at play.

TechCrunch

The bigger question at play here is about how much stock we should be putting in this particular release.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Well, there are much larger questions at play.

The New York Times

With all of these factual and legal questions at play, it could be quite a while before the dust settles on any questions of liability and compensation to the family and heirs of Bernecker's estate for his untimely loss.

Forbes

Still, there are some intriguing new questions at play now — what exactly does Google plan to add to the little guy to make it more of a competitor in a space already crowded with arguably superior hardware?

TechCrunch

There are bigger questions at play now — say, whether or not AT&T should be allowed to do this in the first place — but just on it's face this is a tough break for everyone who still has an older data plan.

TechCrunch

Importantly, adults often marginalize young people -- especially youth of color, excluding them from meaningful dialogues about the kinds of questions at play in This is Modern Art.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question at play", ensure the context clearly identifies what the question is and why it is important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "question at play" sounds somewhat formal. In more casual conversations, consider using alternatives like "what's going on" or "what's happening" to avoid sounding stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question at play" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce a central or significant issue under consideration. It highlights the presence of a specific inquiry or problem that requires attention and discussion. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "question at play" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to highlight a central issue or problem requiring consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable expression. While it appears most frequently in news and academic contexts, its slightly formal tone makes it less suitable for casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "issue at hand" for simpler contexts. Remember that while it's perfectly valid, overusing it can sound stilted, so vary your phrasing where appropriate. This phrase frames discussions and analyses, focusing attention on the core problem. Top authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, TechCrunch and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central question

Emphasizes the importance and centrality of the question.

matter in question

Emphasizes the specific topic being discussed or examined.

topic at hand

Highlights the immediate subject being dealt with.

fundamental issue

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the issue.

issue under consideration

Focuses on the act of considering an issue, rather than the issue itself.

core problem

Highlights the essential difficulty or challenge.

point at issue

Stresses the disagreement or conflict inherent in the matter.

subject under discussion

Highlights the act of people discussing the issue.

problem being addressed

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of the situation.

key consideration

Highlights the importance of a specific factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "question at play" to introduce a key issue being considered, such as "The "central question" at play is whether the new policy will be effective."

What is a simple alternative to "question at play"?

A simpler alternative is "issue at hand". For example, instead of "The question at play is funding", you could say "The issue at hand is funding".

Is "question at play" formal or informal?

"Question at play" leans towards the formal side. It's suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional contexts, but might sound out of place in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "question at play" and "question at stake"?

"Question at play" refers to an issue currently being considered, while "question at stake" implies there are significant consequences or risks associated with the issue.