question is up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question is up" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used informally to indicate that a question is being posed or is ready to be addressed, but it lacks clarity. Example: "The question is up for discussion now, so please share your thoughts."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is because of molecular switches that turn parts of the genome on and off depending on what the cell in question is up to.

The Economist

How they answer the question is up to them – this is designed to encourage innovation, after all – but one way would be to embed a time bank in the service, use time credits in some other way, or contract with a time banking organisation nearby.

The Guardian

It also looks like the Apple page in question is up again, so the issue may be resolved.

TechCrunch

Maybe, but the question is, up to what point?

HuffPost

That question is up in the air, of course, but not too far up: The movie has a combination of big laughs and seriously treated existential dilemmas, and what Oscar balloteer can resist that combo platter?

Huffington Post

That question is up to Ninth Circuit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For many, that question was up in the air when he took office.

The New York Times

"I believe all the diseases in question were up to 90 percent in decline before mass vaccines were ever given," declares Sabrina Paulick.

The New York Times

The Commons Hansard with the full text of Geoffrey Cox's statement on his legal advice, and his response to MPs' questions, is up on the Hansard website now.

The Guardian

The answer to both questions is up to all of us.

Huffington Post

It will undoubtedly lead to more litigation, and the following questions are up for grabs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question is up", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what the question depends on. For instance, specify "the question is up to the voters" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "question is up" without specifying who or what the decision depends on. Omitting this information creates ambiguity and weakens your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question is up" functions as an idiomatic expression. As Ludwig AI displays, it's used to indicate that a decision or resolution depends on a specific person, group, or circumstance. While not strictly incorrect, it often benefits from additional context for clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question is up" is a commonly used, though somewhat informal, way to express that a decision or resolution depends on an external entity or circumstance. As noted in the Ludwig AI feedback, it could be considered grammatically debatable. It appears frequently in news and media but may be less appropriate in more formal contexts. To enhance clarity, specify who or what the "question" is "up" to. Alternatives such as "the decision rests with" can provide a more precise and formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depends on

A simpler way of expressing that the answer relies on other circumstances.

the issue hinges on

Substitutes "question" with "issue" and emphasizes the point upon which a decision depends.

the decision lies with

Replaces "question" with "decision" and focuses on who has the authority to decide.

the matter rests with

Replaces "question" with "matter" and uses a different verb structure, focusing on responsibility.

it's a matter for

Highlights that the decision or resolution is the responsibility of a specified entity.

that's still undetermined

Emphasizes the lack of a final decision or resolution.

it remains to be seen

Shifts the focus to uncertainty about the future outcome rather than a direct question.

it's contingent upon

Highlights the conditional nature of the outcome based on specific factors.

it is yet to be resolved

Emphasizes that the situation or problem has not reached a conclusion.

the call is theirs

Focuses on the entity responsible for making the final judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "question is up" to indicate that a decision or resolution depends on a specific entity or set of circumstances. For example, "That "question is up to Ninth Circuit"."

What's a more formal alternative to "question is up"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the decision rests with" or "the issue hinges on", which provide a more professional and precise meaning.

Is "question is up" grammatically correct?

While "question is up" is used, its grammatical correctness is debatable. The phrase might be better phrased depending on context, such as "the question is under consideration" or "the matter is unresolved" for better clarity.

What does "question is up for debate" mean?

"Question is up for debate" indicates that the topic is open for discussion and opinions may vary. This contrasts with "question is up to someone", which means the decision depends on that person.