the items in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the items in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to specific items that have been mentioned or are under discussion, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The report outlines the items in question that need to be addressed during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In response, JPMorgan, which previously said it had no such documents, produced more than 20 of the items in question.

The New York Times

Used by retailers to make their merchandise seem classier, although the items in question are not literally made to order.

The New York Times

"It is simply not reasonable to suppose that the items in question influenced, could have influenced, or were intended to influence investment decisions," the firm said.

The New York Times

Credit reporting companies are required to investigate the items in question, usually within 30 to 45 days of the dispute being filed.

The New York Times

The items in question are what ordnance professionals call submunitions, but are more widely known among lay readers as cluster bombs.

The New York Times

They will respond to such typed queries as "Which of these two white blouses has heavier-weight fabric?" by cheerfully getting up from the computer to go run their hands over the items in question.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The correlations between answers to the items concerning lack of time and answers to the items in questions 2 4 were low, below 0.300.

BMJ Open

Only the items in questions 3 and 9 measuring Physical Functioning and Mental Health, respectively, provide a sufficient number of questions for Mokken scaling.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Often, the item in question is not even an insect.

The New Yorker

The item in question was 16 stone of edible snails.

The Guardian

Usually the item in question is merely a bit disappointing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the items in question" when you need to refer back to specific items that have already been mentioned to avoid repetition and maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the items in question" without clearly establishing what those items are. Ensure the context makes it obvious what you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the items in question" functions as a noun phrase acting as a determiner clarifying which specific items are being referred to. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, which showcase usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the items in question" is a useful phrase to specify particular objects or issues that have already been mentioned. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence across diverse contexts. While most frequent in news and scientific sources, its appropriateness extends to both formal and informal writing, provided clarity is maintained. Consider alternative phrases like "the matters at hand" or "the subjects in question" for stylistic variation, and always ensure that the items being referenced are clearly established within the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matters at hand

Focuses on the immediacy and relevance of the issues being discussed.

the subjects in question

Emphasizes the topics or issues that are being investigated or debated.

the objects under consideration

Highlights the act of careful thought and evaluation regarding the items.

the issues being discussed

Specifically refers to problems or topics currently being addressed.

the aforementioned items

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

the relevant items

Highlights the pertinence and importance of the items to the current context.

the implicated items

Suggests the items are connected to a particular situation or problem, often negative.

the things in question

A more informal way to refer to the items being discussed.

the articles under review

Implies a formal process of examination and assessment.

the details in focus

Highlights that the elements being discussed are analyzed with particular detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "the items in question" to refer to specific things that have already been mentioned. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, we focused on "the items in question" that were relevant to the case".

What phrases are similar to "the items in question"?

Alternatives include "the matters at hand", "the subjects in question", or "the issues being discussed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the items in question" in informal writing?

While "the items in question" is generally suitable for formal writing, it can also be used in informal contexts where clarity and precision are needed. However, less formal alternatives like "the things in question" might be more appropriate.

How can I make sure my use of "the items in question" is clear?

Ensure that the items you're referring to have been clearly identified earlier in your writing. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context so that the reader understands exactly which items you're discussing.