the question that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the question that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a specific question or inquiry being discussed. Example: "The question that has been on everyone's mind is whether or not the new policy will be implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The question that remains is: from what?

The Economist

It's the question that brought you here.

Stanford University

It's the question that drives us.

Stanford University

The question that remains: Does the president?

The Washington Post

It is the question that underlies everything.

The Guardian - Sport

That is the question that interests Spark.

The Guardian - Books

The question that remains is the recovery.

The New York Times

"That's the question that was asked.

The New York Times

The question that arises is why architecture is replacing landscape?

Procedia Environmental Sciences

What is the question that isn't being voiced?

The New Yorker

That is the question that will always surround him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the question that", ensure the following clause clearly defines or elaborates on the question to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the question that" without a clear and direct connection to the question being referenced. Ensure the question is evident from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the question that" functions as a relative clause introducer, setting up a noun phrase that identifies a particular question. It provides a way to specify or highlight the question being considered. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the question that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce and emphasize a specific question. According to Ludwig, it is used to introduce a specific question or inquiry being discussed. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, with a generally neutral tone. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the question being referenced is clear and well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the inquiry which

Replaces "question" with "inquiry", suggesting a more formal or investigative tone, and replaces "that" with "which".

the issue that

Substitutes "question" with "issue", shifting the focus to a problem or matter under consideration.

the problem that

Replaces "question" with "problem", framing the subject as a challenge needing resolution.

the query that

Substitutes "question" with "query", often used in a context of seeking information.

the dilemma that

Replaces "question" with "dilemma", highlighting a situation involving a difficult choice.

the puzzle that

Substitutes "question" with "puzzle", framing the subject as something to be solved or understood.

the concern that

Replaces "question" with "concern", emphasizing a matter of worry or interest.

the mystery that

Replaces "question" with "mystery", suggesting something unknown or difficult to explain.

the point that

Replaces "question" with "point", focusing on a specific idea or argument being raised.

the topic which

Substitutes "question" with "topic", indicating the subject under discussion, and replaces "that" with "which".

FAQs

How do I use "the question that" in a sentence?

Use "the question that" to introduce a specific inquiry or point of discussion. For example, "The question that remains is how to proceed."

What's a good alternative to "the question that"?

Consider using alternatives like "the issue that", "the problem that", or "the inquiry which" to vary your phrasing.

Is it better to use "which" or "that" after "the question"?

Both "that" and "which" can be used, but "that" is generally preferred for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning. For example, "The question that needs answering is..."

What is the difference between "the question that" and "the question of"?

"The question that" introduces a specific question, while "the question of" introduces a topic or issue. For example, "The question that I asked was simple" versus "The question of funding remains unresolved."