the point in question

USAGE SUMMARY

"the point in question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to talk about a particular point that is being discussed or considered. For example, "The point in question is whether we should move forward with the project or not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

After all, the "point" in question was all there was of space: the entire observable universe.

Cornell University

Then he would attempt some witticism, or pun, or joke on the point in question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then bring the beginning and end points of that interval closer and closer to the point in question.

The Washington Post

Morrison underlines the point in question time two days later but with a qualifier, hinting at tweaks to the system for "excessive" claims.

The Guardian

that sort of feeling arising from the passions of a multitude acting without consideration; or an excitement created amongst the uneducated; or amongst those who do not reflect, or do not exercise their judgment on the point in question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The underlying meaning of such a number pair was given by its geometric interpretation either as a point in a plane or as a directed segment joining the coordinate origin to the point in question.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The FIS said that the weather conditions were so bad that the races concerned would in usual circumstances have been cancelled and that without the points in question, Vanessa-Mae would not have been eligible to compete in Sochi.

The Guardian - Sport

The FIS said that the weather conditions were so bad that the races concerned would in usual circumstances have been cancelled and that without the points in question, she would not have been eligible to compete in Sochi.

The Guardian - Sport

Construction firm Jarvis, which holds the contracts for both track renewals and track maintenance on the line, said the points in question passed visual safety inspections the day before Friday's crash.

The Guardian

The points in question are Points 3120, 3121, and 3122, and each point identifier is followed (on the next line) by the list of probes that may touch that particular point.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

The points in question were facing the direction of travel of the train.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the point in question" to clearly indicate the specific topic or issue that is currently being addressed, ensuring clarity and focus in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the point in question" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives can often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the point in question" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the point in question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to refer to a specific topic under consideration. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it adds a degree of precision suitable for professional and academic contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase sees frequent use in news, academic and scientific settings, but less use in business and social media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, emphasizing its role in clarifying the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter at hand

Emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the issue.

the issue in focus

Highlights that the issue is the central subject of attention.

the topic under discussion

Refers to the subject currently being talked about.

the subject in question

A more formal way to reference the topic being addressed.

the central argument

Highlights the core claim or reasoning being debated.

the core issue

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the problem.

the relevant consideration

Stresses the importance and pertinence of the factor being weighed.

the critical aspect

Highlights the importance of one element of the situation.

the specific detail

Refers to a particular item of information being examined.

the pertinent fact

Underscores the relevance and factual nature of the information.

FAQs

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

You can use "the point in question" to refer to a specific issue or topic being discussed. For example, "The main point in question is whether we can afford to continue with this project."

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

Alternatives include "the matter at hand", "the issue in focus", or "the topic under discussion". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Is "the point in question" formal or informal?

"The point in question" is generally considered neutral to formal. While acceptable in many contexts, consider simpler alternatives for very informal situations.

What's the difference between "the point in question" and "the issue at hand"?

Both phrases are similar, but "the point in question" typically refers to a specific detail or argument, while "the matter at hand" often refers to a broader problem or situation. The subtle difference is in the scope of the reference.