the issue in question

USAGE SUMMARY

"the issue in question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an issue that has been previously discussed or is relevant to the main topic of discussion. For example, "We need to consider the issue in question before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The issue in question is modern parenthood.

The Guardian

The issue in question was the best-selling in seven years.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Sullivan said that if the issue in question was important enough, "I'd go as long as humanly possible".

The New York Times

That was because the Houston partners believed that the issue in question was not critical to the accounting.

The New York Times

But don't let that fool you into thinking that the issue in question is not of vital importance.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue in question was whether or not Muñoz had actually struck Liddy and Buchanan with the truck as they drove down the alley.

The New Yorker

The issue in question, instead, was what had made the moped crash, and whether the police vehicles had contributed to it.

The Guardian

Reminding us that there are other devastating problems facing women, whilst accurate, shouldn't affect the importance of handling the issue in question.

The Guardian

Although the issue in question has yet to the hit the shelves, details were leaked to the Spanish press over the weekend.

The Guardian

They have proved to be an effective way to establish new rules of international law particularly where there is a need to respond quickly to changing circumstances or where the issue in question is unregulated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1982 the High Court agreed that the Commonwealth had power to override states on environmental matters should the issue in question come within the purview of an international covenant to which Australia was a party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, be mindful of the context where this phrase is best suited. Avoid using it unnecessarily in overly informal settings where simpler language would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "the issue in question" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted where simpler language would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the issue in question" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular issue that is under consideration or has been previously mentioned. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the issue in question" is a versatile phrase employed to refer back to a particular topic already introduced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in formal contexts such as news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. While highly useful for maintaining focus and clarity, it should be used judiciously in more informal settings. Alternatives like "the matter at hand" or "the topic under discussion" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The matter at hand

Emphasizes the immediacy and importance of the issue.

The topic under discussion

Highlights that the issue is currently being talked about.

The subject in question

Focuses on the theme or area being investigated.

The problem being addressed

Specifically points to an issue that needs resolving.

The point at issue

Pinpoints the exact disagreement or conflict.

The item in question

Refers to a specific element or object that is relevant.

The concern being examined

Highlights that the issue is being carefully scrutinized.

The case in point

Introduces a specific example or illustration of the issue.

The situation under consideration

Emphasizes the broader context and circumstances of the issue.

The aspect being debated

Highlights that there are multiple viewpoints on the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "the issue in question" to refer back to a topic previously mentioned. For example, "After reviewing the data, we can now address "the issue in question" in more detail".

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

Alternatives include "the matter at hand", "the topic under discussion", or "the subject in question". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "the issue in question" and "the problem in question"?

"The issue in question" is a more general term for a topic being discussed or considered. "The problem in question" specifically refers to a difficulty or challenge that needs to be resolved.

Is "the issue in question" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "the issue in question" is suitable for academic writing. It provides a clear and formal way to refer to a specific topic under analysis.