question is whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question is whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a question that is being asked or considered. Example: The question is whether a new policy should be adopted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The question is whether it's also Goff's.

Los Angeles Times

The question is whether it should.

The Economist

The question is whether this is likely.

The Economist

The question is whether it matters.

The New York Times

The question is whether it should be.

The New Yorker

The question is whether anyone noticed.

The Economist

A big question is whether they will.

The New York Times

The question is whether it will last.

The New York Times

The big question is whether the Dept.

The New Yorker

The question is whether they will".

The New York Times

The question is whether they'll share.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question is whether", ensure that the subsequent clause is a complete and clear statement of the alternative possibilities. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid embedding too many clauses within the "question is whether" statement. This can make the sentence difficult to follow. Keep the sentence concise and focused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question is whether" functions as an introductory phrase to a clause that presents a point of inquiry, uncertainty, or a decision needing resolution. It sets the stage for exploring different possibilities, as Ludwig AI confirms, facilitating analysis and deliberation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question is whether" is a grammatically correct and widely used construction for introducing uncertainty or inquiry. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from authoritative sources indicates that it’s most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. The phrase serves to frame a point of consideration and prompts further analysis. Remember to maintain clarity by following it with a complete and concise clause, and avoid overly complex sentence structures. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used without concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the inquiry is whether

Replaces "question" with "inquiry", a more formal synonym, to frame the uncertainty.

the central issue is whether

Highlights the "issue" as the point of uncertainty, emphasizing the core problem.

a key concern is whether

Focuses on the "concern" aspect, suggesting a degree of worry or importance.

the main debate is whether

Introduces a sense of conflict or argument surrounding the posed question.

the crucial point is whether

Emphasizes the importance of the question by calling it "crucial".

the puzzle is whether

Highlights the enigmatic nature of the query, suggesting a mystery to solve.

the problem at hand is whether

Highlights that there is an issue that is being assessed.

the uncertainty lies in whether

Shifts the focus to the "uncertainty" itself and where it originates.

it hinges on whether

This is a more concise way of saying something depends on a specific question.

the real test is if

Emphasizes a condition to be met to consider something successful.

FAQs

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

Use "question is whether" to introduce a point of uncertainty or a decision to be made. For example, "The "question is whether" we should proceed with the current plan".

What's the difference between "question is whether" and "issue is whether"?

While both introduce uncertainty, "issue is whether" often implies a problem or debate, while "question is whether" is more neutral. So in a sentence like "The "question is whether" to invest in stocks", the alternative could be something like "The "issue is whether" stocks are a good investment at the moment".

Are there any formal alternatives to "question is whether"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "the inquiry is whether", "the central issue is whether", or "a key concern is whether".

Is it always necessary to follow "question is whether" with a complete clause?

Yes, to maintain clarity, always follow "question is whether" with a full clause that clearly states the point of uncertainty or the decision being considered.