the question is when

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "the question is when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to pose a question in a variety of contexts. For example, "The question is when they will reach their destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The question is when.

The New York Times

The question is when, not whether.

The Economist

Right now, the question is when".

The New York Times

The question is when that will be.

The New Yorker

The question is when will tomorrow come?

Independent

The question is when that gets going.

The New York Times

"And the question is when?

The Guardian

But the question is when.

The New York Times

But again, the question is, when?

The New York Times

"The question is when, not if".

The New York Times - Tech

The question is when, and how much".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the question is when", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or situation the timing refers to. Lack of clarity can lead to ambiguity and confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "the question is when" if the fundamental issue is not about timing but about whether the event will happen at all. If the event itself is uncertain, focus on the possibility rather than the timing. Use "the question is if" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the question is when" functions as an interrogative statement, introducing an element of uncertainty related to the timing of a future event or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is valid and frequently used in various contexts. It sets the stage for further inquiry or discussion about the timing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the question is when" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty about the timing of a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and prevalent across numerous contexts, particularly in news and media. Its function is to highlight that the key point of inquiry is not whether something will happen, but when. While suitable for neutral and even professional settings, it's important to ensure clarity in the context to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful that if the event itself is uncertain, framing the discussion around the possibility rather than the timing might be more appropriate. Understanding these subtleties will enable you to use "the question is when" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when will it happen is the real question

Elaborates on the original phrase, explicitly asking when an event will occur.

when is the real question

Focuses on the timing aspect by explicitly framing 'when' as the central point of inquiry.

the timing is the key question

Highlights that timing is a significant factor, shifting the emphasis from the general question to the specific element of timing.

the issue is the correct timing

Replaces 'question' with 'issue' while retaining the focus on determining the appropriate timing.

the uncertainty lies in the timing

Highlights the doubt surrounding when something will occur.

the puzzle is the right time

Uses the word 'puzzle' to convey timing as a problem that needs solving.

the challenge is determining the time

Focuses on the difficulty of establishing the correct timing.

the problem is the schedule

Substitutes 'question' with 'problem' and focuses on 'schedule', implying a concern about the timeline.

the unknown is the point in time

Directly states that the specific moment or period is what is not yet known.

what remains is the timing

Emphasizes that only the aspect of timing is left to be resolved.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the question is when" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "the central issue revolves around timing", "the key consideration is the point in time", or "the pertinent question concerns the timing of the event". These phrases maintain the focus on timing while elevating the formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the question is when"?

Yes, "the question is when" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples from reputable sources demonstrate its proper usage in various contexts.

What's the difference between "the question is when" and "when is the question"?

While both phrases relate to timing, "the question is when" is typically used to introduce a point of uncertainty about a future event. In contrast, "when is the question" is less common and might be used rhetorically or to emphasize that the specific time is indeed the central issue.

Can I use "the question is when" in academic writing?

Yes, you can use "the question is when" in academic writing, but consider if more formal alternatives like "the central issue revolves around timing" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Always aim for clarity and precision in your writing.