question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a topic or to refer to an issue that is being discussed. For example, "The question of whether or not to raise taxes is a contentious issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A question of taste?

Independent

The question of route.

The New Yorker

No question of sleep.

The New Yorker

No question of that.

The Guardian - Books

It's a question of trust.

The New York Times

Or a question of propaganda?

Independent

"It's a question of time.

The New York Times

Take the question of cost.

The New Yorker

"It's a question of freedom".

The New York Times

It's a question of definition.

Independent

It's a question of taste".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by using related phrases like "matter of" or "issue of" to avoid repetition and enhance readability. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "question of" in formal documents where more direct language might be appropriate. Phrases like "regarding" or "concerning" can provide a more concise alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question of" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a topic, issue, or problem that is under consideration or debate. It is commonly used to frame a discussion point, as seen in the Ludwig examples where it introduces matters of taste, route, sleep, and trust. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question of" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce topics or issues, as validated by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While it is a very common expression, writers should vary their phrasing for enhanced readability by using matter of or issue of in different contexts to sound more natural. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various registers, though overuse in highly formal settings should be avoided in favour of more direct language. The phrase serves primarily to focus attention on a specific discussion point, facilitating further exploration or debate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter of

Replaces "question" with "matter", focusing on the issue itself rather than the debate around it. It indicates the nature of something.

issue of

Emphasizes the problematic or debatable aspect of the topic, framing it as a point of contention or concern.

topic of

Highlights the subject being discussed, downplaying any inherent uncertainty or debate.

subject of

Similar to "topic of", this alternative emphasizes the theme or area of focus, without necessarily implying controversy.

concern about

Shifts the focus to worry or anxiety regarding a specific issue, rather than a neutral inquiry.

problem of

Highlights the challenging aspect of the issue, suggesting a need for resolution or a source of difficulty.

debate over

Specifies that there is active disagreement about a particular subject, making the conflict explicit.

controversy surrounding

Emphasizes the divisive nature of the subject, highlighting strong opposing views and public discussion.

enquiry into

Suggests a formal or systematic investigation of the topic, often with the goal of discovering facts or understanding.

consideration of

Highlights the careful thought or deliberation being given to a particular matter, suggesting a thoughtful approach.

FAQs

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

Use "question of" to introduce a topic being discussed or debated. For example, "The "question of" funding remains unresolved" or "It's a "question of" priorities".

What's a more formal alternative to "question of"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "matter of", "issue of", or "topic of" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "question of"?

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse. Sometimes a more direct phrasing like "regarding" or "concerning" can improve conciseness and clarity, especially in professional writing.

How does "question of" differ from "matter of"?

"Question of" often implies uncertainty or debate, while "matter of" simply refers to a particular subject or situation. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the uncertainty or simply state the topic.