the group in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the group in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific group that has been previously mentioned or is being discussed in a particular context. Example: "The findings of the study were particularly relevant to the group in question, as they highlighted their unique challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(One of the criteria for a suspect classification is that the group in question has suffered a history of discrimination).

The New Yorker

The group in question is the young of Africa, the part of the world most heavily infected.

The Economist

The fact that 97% of the group in question don't have a particular problem doesn't lessen the problem for those who do.

The Guardian - Opinion

The group in question said this circle had been designed by the celebrated architect Richard Rogers, so I checked with his office.

The Guardian - Arts

The group in question here is Jemaah Islamiyah, which has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States, Australia and the United Nations.

The New York Times

But imagine, for a moment, that the group in question did not simply wish to pass through town with their hateful message.

The New York Times

The effect that substitute players can have on an ensemble's character probably varies according to the size of the group in question.

The New York Times - Arts

This can happen even if we are genuinely committed egalitarians, and even if we are members of the group in question, for example, women students have shown bias against women lecturers.

The Guardian

Good taxonomy takes years of experience and familiarity with the group in question and months of work may go into a few lines of dry text that herald the identification of a new form of life.

The Guardian

And just to be clear, the group in question is not this other Highwaymen M.C., with chapters in England and Norway; nor is it the country music supergroup with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rather, as explained above, the statutes in those cases were held inapplicable to the groups in question based on the facts presented, not invalid on their face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the group in question" to clearly and concisely refer back to a specific group already introduced, avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the group in question" when a simpler pronoun or a more specific noun phrase would suffice; reserve it for situations where clarity and precision are crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the group in question" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically used to identify or refer back to a particular group that has already been mentioned or is understood within the context. Ludwig examples show it's used to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the group in question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to precisely identify a specific group within a given context. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread application across various domains, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. While deemed correct and highly versatile, mindful usage is advised to prevent redundancy, as simpler alternatives might often suffice. The phrase maintains a generally neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the group under discussion

Replaces "in question" with "under discussion", directly indicating that the group is currently being talked about.

the group in focus

Emphasizes that the group is the central point of attention.

the relevant group

Substitutes "in question" with "relevant", emphasizing the group's pertinence to the current discussion.

the aforementioned group

Replaces "in question" with "aforementioned" for a more formal tone, implying previous reference within the text.

the subject group

Uses "subject" to highlight that the group is the focus or topic of analysis.

the referenced group

Indicates that the group has been mentioned or alluded to previously.

the specified group

Indicates that the group has been precisely identified or defined.

the designated group

Suggests the group has been specifically chosen or assigned.

the concerned group

Suggests that the group is the one affected by or involved in a particular issue.

the implicated group

Implies the group is involved, often in a problematic or significant way.

FAQs

How can I use "the group in question" in a sentence?

Use "the group in question" to refer back to a specific group you've already mentioned. For example, "We analyzed several demographics, but our findings were most relevant to "the group in question"."

What are some alternatives to "the group in question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the relevant group", "the aforementioned group", or "the subject group".

Is it redundant to use "the group in question" multiple times in the same paragraph?

While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using pronouns or rephrasing to avoid repeating ""the group in question"" unnecessarily.

When is it most appropriate to use "the group in question"?

It's best to use ""the group in question"" when you need to precisely refer back to a specific group, especially when multiple groups are being discussed, and clarity is essential.