question that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question that" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "I'm not sure I understand the implications of that statement - could you elaborate on that further, or question that?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does anyone question that?

The New York Times

"Good question that," he said.

Independent

The question that remains is: from what?

The Economist

Good question that.

The Guardian - Sport

Some question that.

The New York Times

It's the question that brought you here.

Stanford University

It's the question that drives us.

Stanford University

It's a question that haunts the book.

The New York Times

It's a question that defies glib responses.

The New York Times

The question that will always divide.

BBC

One question that arises is this.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question that", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are expressing genuine inquiry, doubt, or disagreement. The tone can vary significantly based on the surrounding words.

Common error

While "question that" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your tone appear less confident. Consider stronger verbs like "challenge", "dispute", or "analyze" to convey a more assertive stance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question that" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to express doubt, inquiry, or disagreement with a preceding statement or idea. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Examples in Ludwig show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question that" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express doubt or inquiry in response to a statement. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's frequently used across various fields, including news, academia, and science. While it's generally neutral in register, writers should consider stronger alternatives in formal contexts to convey a more assertive tone. The high frequency and authoritative sources using the expression confirm its validity and usefulness in modern English writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is suitable for written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt that

Expresses disbelief or uncertainty, similar to questioning but with a stronger implication of doubt.

dispute that

Suggests a direct challenge or disagreement with a statement.

challenge that

Implies a call for justification or proof regarding a claim.

take issue with that

Indicates disagreement or objection to a specific point.

take exception to that

Similar to 'take issue with that', but can also imply offense or annoyance.

express skepticism about that

Conveys a general attitude of doubt or wariness regarding something.

cast doubt on that

Suggests undermining the credibility or validity of something.

call into question that

Raises doubts about the truth, accuracy, or validity of something.

wonder about that

Expresses curiosity or uncertainty, a more mild form of questioning.

be dubious about that

Implies a state of uncertainty or hesitancy.

FAQs

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

You can use "question that" to express doubt or ask for clarification about a statement. For instance, "I "question that" assertion because the evidence seems contradictory".

What are some alternatives to "question that"?

You can use alternatives like "doubt that", "dispute that", or "challenge that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "question that" or "doubt that"?

"Question that" implies seeking more information or expressing mild skepticism, while "doubt that" suggests a stronger feeling of disbelief. The choice depends on the degree of skepticism you want to express.

Can "question that" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "question that" is acceptable in formal writing, but be mindful of the tone. In some cases, using a more direct verb like "analyze that" or "evaluate that" might make your writing more impactful.