the question is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the question is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a specific question, either asked by someone else or yourself. For example: "The question is, what is the best way to improve healthcare access in underserved areas?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The question is sincere.

The New York Times - Food

The question is which.

The Economist

The question is when.

The New York Times

Now the question is.

The New Yorker

"The question is offensive.

The New York Times

The question is clear.

The New York Times - Sports

The question is disingenuous.

The New Yorker

The question is why.

The New York Times

The question is divisive.

The Economist

The question is rhetorical.

The New York Times - Sports

The question is this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "the question is" with a complete sentence or a specific question to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "the question is". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the question is" serves as an introductory phrase. It is used to introduce a question, a problem, or a point of discussion. It's a common way to highlight the central inquiry being addressed, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the question is" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to introduce a specific point of inquiry or discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. While it maintains a neutral register, it's advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Remember to follow it with a clear and concise question or statement to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the real question is

Highlights the most important or underlying question.

the key question is

Emphasizes the critical or essential nature of the inquiry.

the point is

Simplifies the phrase, emphasizing the central argument or idea.

the fundamental question is

Focuses on the foundational or basic aspect of the query.

the issue at hand is

Replaces 'question' with 'issue', focusing on a problem or subject of debate.

the problem is

Frames the inquiry as a problem needing a solution.

the central concern is

Replaces "question" with "concern", framing it as a matter of worry or importance.

what remains to be seen is

Shifts the focus to future developments and uncertainty.

what we need to consider is

Introduces a matter requiring careful thought and deliberation.

the puzzle is

Emphasizes the mysterious or perplexing nature of the inquiry.

FAQs

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

Use "the question is" to introduce a specific point of inquiry or a problem to be addressed. For example: "The question is, what are the long-term effects of social media on teenagers?"

What are some alternatives to using "the question is"?

You can use phrases like "the issue at hand is", "the point is", or "the real question is" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a paragraph with "the question is"?

Yes, starting a paragraph with "the question is" can be an effective way to introduce the central theme or problem that the paragraph will explore.

What is the difference between "the question is" and "the answer is"?

"The question is" introduces an inquiry or something to be resolved, while "the answer is" presents a solution or resolution to a previous inquiry.