the question of when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the question of when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the timing or scheduling of an event or decision. Example: "The question of when we should hold the meeting remains unresolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then, too, the question of "when" will be moot.

The Economist

The question of when has been discussed thoroughly.

The New York Times

There is also the question of when to intervene.

The New York Times

Yet the question of when to reveal information in negotiation is seldom clear-cut.

Harvard University

But that leaves open the question of when Britain gets there, and how.

The Economist

The whole situation does raise the question of when enough is enough.

The New York Times

And that leads to the question of when is it safe to return to exercise?

The New York Times - Health

It raises the question of when the rest of us will get a look in.

Independent

And that has raised the question of when it is time to let go.

Independent

But it leaves wide open the question of when the Fed will taper.

The Economist

"The question of when employees can be disciplined for off-duty speech is hazy," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the question of when", ensure that the context clearly establishes what event or action the timing is referring to. This will prevent ambiguity and improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the question of when" in simple sentences where a more direct question would suffice. For instance, instead of "The question of when we leave is important", consider "When should we leave?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the question of when" functions as a noun phrase that introduces an inquiry or topic of discussion related to timing. As Ludwig AI underlines, this expression is widely used to bring up the timing of an event or decision. It is commonly followed by a clause that specifies the action or event in question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the question of when" is a versatile phrase used to initiate inquiries about timing across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research and academic discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed to introduce a topic of uncertainty or discussion. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, careful consideration should be given to its usage in simpler sentences where more direct questions may be more effective. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscore its relevance and widespread acceptance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when to

A more concise way of posing the question, often followed by a verb (e.g., "when to start").

the timing of

Focuses specifically on the point in time when something occurs, removing the interrogative framing.

the matter of timing

Emphasizes the importance of timing as a crucial element in a given situation.

the issue of timing

Highlights that the timing is a problem or concern that needs to be addressed.

at what time

Seeks a specific time, rather than a more general period or circumstance.

when is the right time to

Directly seeks the most suitable moment for a specific action, adding an element of judgment.

the appropriate time for

Indicates a need to identify the correct moment, implying considerations of suitability or appropriateness.

the point at which

Emphasizes a specific moment or stage when something should happen.

the opportune moment for

Suggests that there is an ideal time for a particular action or event.

the scheduling of

Centers on the planning and arrangement of events in time, focusing on the logistical aspect of timing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the question of when" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "the timing of", "the issue of timing", or simply ask "when to" depending on the context.

Is "the question of when" formal or informal?

"The question of when" is generally considered neutral to formal. While suitable for academic and professional writing, it might be replaced with a simpler phrasing like "when" in informal contexts.

What does "the question of when" imply in a sentence?

It implies an inquiry or uncertainty regarding the timing of a particular event or action, suggesting that the timing is a matter of consideration or debate.

How to use "the question of when" in a complex sentence?

It often introduces a subordinate clause, as in "The committee must address "the question of when" the project should commence, considering budget constraints and resource availability."