the question is if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the question is if" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when posing a question that relies upon some form of consideration or condition. For example, "The question is if we should invest in a new business venture or wait to see how the market recovers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The question is if China will be legally-bound.

The New Yorker

"The question is if anyone would block for him".

The New York Times - Sports

The question is if he will get the opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

"The question is if I get the scholarship," he said.

The New York Times

The question is if there is a violation this time.

The New York Times - Sports

Now the question is if the whistle blew stopping play!

The Guardian - Sport

The question is, if Ponder had been having a better season, would anyone have cared?

The New York Times - Sports

"The question is if it has worked, and I would say it hasn't.

The New York Times

"The question is, if I was a traitor, who did I betray?

Independent

"But the question is, if we can compete at the execution level".

The New York Times

And then the question is, if you're going to try against the odds to change that.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the question is if", ensure the subsequent clause clearly states the condition or uncertainty being considered. It should directly relate to the main subject of your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "the question is if" when a direct question would be clearer. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound hesitant or indirect. Instead of "The question is if we should go", consider "Should we go?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the question is if" functions as an introductory clause that sets up a conditional question. It highlights uncertainty and invites consideration of a specific condition or possibility. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the question is if" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to introduce a conditional question or point of uncertainty. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It functions to prompt consideration of a specific condition and is generally neutral in register, suitable for a range of contexts from news and media to academic writing. While other phrases such as "the issue is whether" or "it remains to be seen whether" can be used as alternatives, "the question is if" maintains a clear and direct way to pose an uncertain situation for consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The issue is whether

Focuses on presenting the core problem or matter for consideration.

The concern is whether

Highlights the worry or anxiety surrounding a particular situation.

It remains to be seen whether

Emphasizes the uncertainty and the passage of time needed to resolve the question.

The point is whether

Emphasizes the essential element for understanding or deciding something.

It hinges on whether

Highlights that the outcome depends significantly on a specific condition.

The puzzle is whether

Introduces an element of mystery or intellectual challenge.

The crux is whether

Highlights the most important or decisive point.

The dilemma is whether

Indicates a situation with difficult choices between alternatives.

The uncertainty lies in whether

Directly addresses the lack of clarity about a condition or outcome.

A key consideration is whether

Emphasizes the importance of a particular factor in the decision-making process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the question is if" to sound more direct?

Consider using a direct question structure. For example, instead of "The question is if we should invest", ask "Should we invest?" Alternatively, try "The issue is whether" or "It remains to be seen whether" to maintain a sense of inquiry but with clearer phrasing, as in "the issue is whether" and "it remains to be seen whether".

Is it grammatically correct to use "the question is if"?

Yes, "the question is if" is grammatically correct, though some may find it slightly less direct than alternatives. It's commonly used to introduce a point of uncertainty or a condition to be considered.

When is it best to use "the question is if" over other alternatives?

Use "the question is if" when you want to frame a situation as a question of whether something will happen or is true, particularly when emphasizing the uncertainty or conditionality involved. For example, "The question is if they will approve the budget" emphasizes the uncertainty of the budget approval.

What are some common synonyms for "the question is if"?

Common synonyms include "the issue is whether", "the concern is whether", and "it hinges on whether". These alternatives, like "the issue is whether", and "the concern is whether" offer similar meanings but can provide subtle variations in tone or emphasis.