question under discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question under discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific topic or issue that is currently being debated or analyzed. Example: "In our meeting today, we will focus on the question under discussion regarding the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

EVAN OSNOS: This is a question under discussion.

The New Yorker

That was the underlying question under discussion at a seminar hosted by the Guardian and sponsored by the ABPI.

The Guardian

The question under discussion was one of the most troubling of our time: will machines ever make better decisions than humans?

The Guardian

The key question under discussion was whether a global catastrophe, on the order of a continent-wide famine, could trigger a series of geopolitical events that would result in human extinction — and whether that meant that a merely catastrophic risk could therefore be taken as seriously as an existential risk.

The New Yorker

And the question under discussion was every bit as urgent as how to structure municipal government: "Does reality television do more harm than good?" Two-man teams, one from Harvard, one from Columbia, took on the issue, Harvard (Andrew Laing and Allen Ewalt) arguing that yes, it does, and Columbia (Rohan Jotwani and Reid Bagwell) contending that it doesn't.

The New York Times - Arts

Additionally, Roberts (2004, 2012) develops a model of conversational kinematics according to which conversations are invariably aimed at answering what she terms a question under discussion (QUD).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The questions were designed to elicit agent or object focus, and question-under-discussion (QUD) focus or contrastive focus.

Lingua

The questions under discussion — Will a Hughes Museum attract tourists to a dicey part of town?

The New York Times - Books

These were the questions under discussion in a roundtable debate hosted by the Guardian and sponsored by the Marketing Agencies Association MAAA).

The Guardian

With Arthur Meighen, his successor as prime minister, to manage the House of Commons and with two Liberals, Newton Rowell and Alexander K. Maclean, in charge of key cabinet committees, Borden was free to concentrate on the larger questions under discussion in London and Paris.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, certain participants at the final workshop voiced concerns that the questions under discussion were too general to be considered true research questions.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "question under discussion" ensure that the context provides sufficient background information for the reader to understand the question's relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "question under discussion" in casual conversations; it often sounds overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "what we're talking about" or "the topic at hand" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question under discussion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the specific topic currently being examined or debated. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It's used to frame the subject matter of a discussion, debate, or analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "question under discussion" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for clearly defining the subject matter of a debate, analysis, or conversation. Ludwig confirms that. While most common in news, media, and scientific contexts, its formality makes it less suitable for casual settings. Related phrases like "topic under consideration" and "issue at hand" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to use it to provide clarity and focus, particularly in formal writing or discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter under consideration

Focuses on the topic being thought about, not necessarily actively debated.

topic under consideration

Emphasizes the subject being thought about or reviewed.

issue at hand

Highlights the immediacy and relevance of the matter.

subject of debate

Focuses specifically on the aspect of disagreement or contention.

point in question

Directs attention to a particular item needing clarification.

area of contention

Emphasizes disagreement surrounding a specific topic.

the focus of the conversation

Highlights what is currently being talked about.

the central theme

Underlines the main idea or topic being explored.

open question

Highlights that the topic is unsolved, needing more research.

pending question

Highlights that topic is on hold, waiting for decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "question under discussion" to introduce the main topic of a conversation, debate, or written piece. For instance, "The "question under discussion" is whether artificial intelligence will surpass human intelligence."

What phrases are similar to "question under discussion"?

Similar phrases include "topic under consideration", "issue at hand", and "subject of debate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "question under discussion" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "question under discussion" is well-suited for formal writing, such as academic papers, reports, and official correspondence. It clearly indicates the topic being examined.

Can I use "question under discussion" in informal speech?

While grammatically correct, "question under discussion" may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "what we're talking about" are often more appropriate.