the individual in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the individual in question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when discussing or referring to a specific person in a particular context. Example: The CEO of the company was accused of embezzlement, but the individual in question denies any wrongdoing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem's not with the individual in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Out of context, you would be inclined to conclude the individual in question is seriously disturbed".

The Guardian - Sport

This does not only refer to private property owned by the individual in question.

Independent

The individual in question refused to be drafted and was therefore imprisoned.

Independent

Being a "personality" is no guarantee that the individual in question is particularly effective in a professional capacity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The individual in question quietly moved on; set to cause havoc and mayhem at their new organisation, presumably.

Independent

If someone scores high on verbal tests and low on spatial ones, what does that overall score tell us about the individual in question?

The Guardian - Opinion

We are currently liaising with the individual in question in a bid to understand what may have happened to her when she was a child.

The Guardian - Film

The individual in question, Mark Malone, worked from July 2002 to July 2005 for a Manhattan-based law firm, Getnick & Getnick.

The New York Times

The bar owner, Luisa Medrano, 51, was not named in the indictment, but officials have confirmed that she was the individual in question.

The New York Times

"We believe that the individual in question here is a convicted felon who just recently left prison," Mr. Bloomberg said at the news conference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the individual in question" when you want to refer to a specific person without explicitly naming them, especially when the context already makes it clear who you're talking about.

Common error

Avoid using "the individual in question" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the person" or directly using their name.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the individual in question" functions as a determiner phrase plus a noun followed by a prepositional phrase, used to specifically identify a person under discussion without explicitly naming them. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the individual in question" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to a specific person without naming them directly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While useful for maintaining formality and objectivity, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding stilted. Alternatives like "the person concerned" or "the relevant party" can sometimes be more appropriate depending on the specific context. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the person concerned

Emphasizes the person directly affected or involved in a situation.

the relevant party

Highlights the person's pertinence or connection to the matter at hand.

the subject in question

Replaces "individual" with "subject", focusing on the person being discussed or studied.

the aforementioned person

Refers back to someone previously mentioned, maintaining a formal tone.

the party involved

Focuses on the person's active participation or implication in an event or situation.

the specific individual

Adds emphasis to the particularity of the person being referenced.

that individual

More concise and direct way of referring to a specific person.

the said person

A formal and somewhat archaic way of referring to someone previously mentioned.

the before-mentioned person

More antiquated and formal alternative to 'aforementioned'.

the particular individual

Highlights the distinctive or unique nature of the person being referenced.

FAQs

How do I use "the individual in question" in a sentence?

Use "the individual in question" to refer to a specific person already identified or implied within the context. For example, "The police are seeking more information about "the individual in question"'s whereabouts prior to the incident."

What's a simpler way to say "the individual in question"?

Depending on the context, you can use simpler alternatives such as "the person", "the subject", or just use the person's name if it's already known.

Is it appropriate to use "the individual in question" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "the individual in question" is quite formal and is generally more appropriate for formal writing, reports, or legal documents. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are preferable.

When should I avoid using "the individual in question"?

Avoid using "the individual in question" in informal settings or when speaking directly to the person being referenced. It can sound impersonal or overly bureaucratic. Use their name or a more casual descriptor instead.