safety in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "safety in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific safety issue or concern that is being examined or evaluated. Example: "The safety in question relates to the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When you make a citizen's arrest, you are also putting your personal safety in question, even if you do not face legal consequences.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

All three safety ratios in question were positively correlated, with bearing capacity being subjected to higher degree of uncertainty.

Computers and Geotechnics

I won't ever hesitate to voice a legitimate concern to a friend if their safety is in question.

Vice

And okay, the safety issue in question is missed inspections on more than 47 planes specifically for cracks in the plane's skin.

Huffington Post

Our experience teaches us that some children will still need to be removed from families when their safety is in question.

Huffington Post

The scandal puts the EU's food safety system in question at a time when it's trying to streamline it with America's.

Huffington Post

Four months after my son died, in February 2013, I advocated in Montgomery County, Maryland, for another child whose safety was in question after his father was charged with domestic violence and child abuse.

Huffington Post

The safety feature in question -- a filter that would remove harmful radioactivity from gases being intentionally vented into the air during an emergency -- is being weighed as part of a host of new requirements for reactors in the United States.

Huffington Post

This was also the most frequently applied of all 22 safety measures in question.

BMC Health Services Research

Hepatitis A vaccine is indicated for all travelers to areas of the world where sanitation or water safety are in question.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Apparent equivocation about Leo Blair's MMR vaccine in 2001 is still used by some to call its safety into question in 2013.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "safety in question" when you want to express uncertainty or concern about the security or well-being related to a specific situation or item. It's useful when you want to imply that there's a debate or a reason to doubt the adequacy of safety measures.

Common error

Avoid using "safety in question" when you are certain about the lack of safety; this phrase implies doubt rather than confirmed danger. Use stronger language such as "safety compromised" or "dangerous conditions" to clearly convey a definitive safety issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "safety in question" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or within an adjective phrase to indicate that the safety of something is uncertain or being debated. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase implies a doubt or concern about safety rather than a confirmed lack of it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "safety in question" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate uncertainty or concern regarding the safety or security of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and on wikis, suggesting a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a state of doubt rather than a confirmed lack of safety, and consider alternatives such as "safety at issue" or stating that "safety is doubtful" to refine the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safety under consideration

Focuses on the evaluation process rather than the potential doubt.

safety at issue

Highlights that safety is the central point of discussion or contention.

safety is doubtful

Emphasizes the uncertainty directly, using a more declarative tone.

safety is uncertain

Similar to 'doubtful' but suggests a lack of predictability regarding safety.

security is questionable

Shifts the focus to security, which is a related but distinct concept.

reliability is in doubt

Emphasizes the lack of confidence in the consistency and dependability of safety measures.

well-being is at stake

Highlights the potential negative consequences for individuals.

risk is present

Directly points out the existence of a potential danger or hazard.

danger is possible

Suggests a potential for harm or threat.

protection is debated

Focuses on the discussions and disagreements surrounding safety provisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "safety in question" to express doubt or uncertainty about the security or well-being associated with something. For example, "After the series of accidents, the "safety of the rollercoaster" was in question."

What phrases are similar to "safety in question"?

Similar phrases include "safety at issue", "safety under consideration", or stating that "safety is doubtful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "safety in question" in formal writing?

Yes, "safety in question" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing potential risks or evaluating the effectiveness of safety measures. It's common in news reports, scientific articles, and business documents.

What's the difference between "safety in question" and "security in question"?

"Safety" generally refers to protection from accidental harm or danger, while "security" usually implies protection from intentional harm, such as theft or attack. Therefore, "security in question" would be more appropriate when discussing potential threats from malicious actors.