question in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific question that is currently being discussed or analyzed. Example: "The question in question has sparked a lot of debate among the experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Leader of the Opposition commands the same salary as a Cabinet minister and has the privilege of always asking the first question in Question Period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When parliament resumed on 23 November, Labor waited until its seventh question in question time to ask about Brough and the diaries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The two questions in question both feature Sansa Stark, standing in the snow, looking unwashed and tired.

Independent

And if September 11th marked the beginning of this unnameable decade, its end was signalled by President Obama's Nobel acceptance speech, in which he spoke of what he called the "difficult questions about the relationship between war and peace, and our effort to replace one with the other," and painstakingly outlined the absence of any good answers to the questions in question.

The New Yorker

The second test administered consisted of three main questions with two sub-questions in Question 1 and three sub-questions in Questions 2 and 3.

International Journal of STEM Education

This consisted of five batteries of questions: In question 1, we asked about the extent of the respondents' previous involvement in the topic "terminal sedation".

BMC Palliative Care

She responded to question after question in a confident, relaxed manner.

The New York Times

But question after question in the jam-packed little temporary building was fired at Schumacher.

The New York Times

In question after question, it was clear that Mr. Bush enjoys the public's full backing.

The New York Times

The second screen contains the "faculty" answer to the question or questions in the first screen, with relevant clinical pearls of wisdom and links to relevant web resources.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

She handled it with grace: answering question after question (after question) in the mixed zone and then setting her 27th world record the following week in Zurich.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question in question" to draw specific attention to a particular question that is central to a discussion or analysis. This can help clarify focus and prevent confusion when multiple questions are being considered.

Common error

Avoid using "question in question" in simple contexts where "the question" or "this question" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a specific question among others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question in question" functions as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an adjective to further specify a particular "question". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "question in question" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize a particular question within a broader context. While grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare. It tends to appear in neutral to formal registers such as News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure it adds clarity and focus, avoiding overuse in simple scenarios. Consider alternatives like ""matter in question"" or "specific inquiry" to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular query

Replaces "question" with "query", a synonym that emphasizes the act of asking or inquiring.

specific inquiry

Uses the term inquiry to denote investigation and replaces "question" with the adjective "specific".

point in question

Zeroes in on a precise element or argument that is currently under scrutiny or debate.

matter at hand

Focuses on the immediate subject of discussion, shifting from the abstract idea of a "question" to a more concrete "matter".

issue under consideration

Emphasizes the deliberative process of examining a particular issue rather than just a question.

topic being discussed

Highlights the ongoing conversation or dialogue surrounding a specific topic, rather than isolating a single question.

subject of inquiry

Formal term stressing investigation or examination of a particular subject.

the problem at issue

Highlights the contentious nature of the subject, turning it into a problem that needs a solution.

the current problem

Switches the focus to a practical difficulty or challenge needing resolution.

relevant concern

Highlights the pertinence and significance of a specific worry or issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "question in question" to emphasize a specific question that is currently being discussed or analyzed, as in "The "matter in question" has sparked considerable debate."

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

Alternatives include ""matter in question"", "the question at hand", or "specific inquiry", depending on the context.

Is "question in question" redundant?

While it might seem redundant, "question in question" serves to highlight a particular question being discussed among others, providing emphasis in specific contexts. This phrase isn't always needed but may be helpful.

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

"Question in question" typically refers to a specific question already introduced within a discussion, while "the question at hand" often introduces the immediate topic of discussion.