subject in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject in question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a specific subject in a discussion or conversation that has been mentioned previously. For example, "The effectiveness of this method is still a subject in question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

MR. LEHRER -- New subject in question, Vice President Gore.

The New York Times

"Interviewing the subject in question does not guarantee access to the whole truth.

Independent

Let me be clear that I would have offered that same comment had the subject in question been a man.

The New York Times

Lacey is an expert proponent of the Chinese whisper, whereby he quotes somebody who quotes somebody who knew the subject in question.

The New Yorker

We mean that we got interested in something to the point of distraction — usually by accident, and usually to a degree that the subject in question might not seem to merit.

The New Yorker

Not false, but hopelessly inadequate".Yet these demolition jobs just clear the stage for the main performance, which is Mr Judt's own shrewd and revealing thoughts on the subject in question.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

That can cause business to get in the way of the show, making it even harder to keep the show's subject-in-question seeming real.

The New York Times - Arts

One style of realist about that subject matter will say that its states of affairs have wide cosmological role: they do contribute to the explanation of things other than our beliefs about the subject matter in question (or other than via explaining our beliefs about that subject matter).

SEP

He argued that any theory of a social phenomenon, including law, must identify its "central" cases, since the goal of any theory is to describe the central or important features of the subject matter in question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It suffices here to note that pain may or may not have wide cosmological role the question requires delicate discussion therefore, again, psychological anti-realism is by no means trivially excluded just in virtue of the subject matter in question concerning a psychological phenomenon.

SEP

Good when you need to refer to another bundle with more specific or generalized information on the subject in questions * Amazon Links- Consider to include a link or two to a relevant Amazon product.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject in question" to clearly identify a topic or entity that has been previously introduced or is the current focus of discussion. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "subject in question" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "what we're talking about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject in question" serves as a determiner phrase specifying a previously mentioned or understood noun. Its function is to clarify and maintain focus within a discussion. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subject in question" is a versatile tool for maintaining clarity and focus in various forms of communication. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While it may sound slightly formal in casual conversations, understanding its function and purpose ensures effective communication. To enhance your writing, consider using it to prevent ambiguity by referencing previously mentioned topics or entities and, instead of "subject in question", you can use alternatives such as "matter at hand" or "topic under discussion" to achieve the same goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter at hand

Focuses on the direct relevance of the topic.

topic under discussion

Highlights the context of a conversation.

item being considered

Emphasizes the evaluation aspect.

issue at stake

Focuses on the importance of the issue.

point in question

Highlights a specific detail or argument.

aspect under scrutiny

Emphasizes a close examination.

entity in focus

Emphasizes that something is the center of attention

the aforementioned subject

Connects the point to a prior statement.

relevant subject

Focuses on the connection to the discussion.

the theme at issue

Addresses the central idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "subject in question" to refer back to a topic already mentioned, like: "The validity of the data is the "subject in question" for many researchers."

What are some alternatives to "subject in question"?

Alternatives include "matter at hand", "topic under discussion", or "issue at stake", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "subject in question" in casual conversations?

While grammatically correct, "subject in question" is more suited for formal or neutral contexts. In casual settings, simpler alternatives are generally preferred.

What's the difference between "subject in question" and "topic in question"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. However, "topic in question" might slightly emphasize the general area of discussion, while "subject in question" can refer to a more specific entity or item.