the system in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the system in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific system that has been previously mentioned or is being discussed in a particular context. Example: "In our analysis, we will focus on the system in question to determine its efficiency and effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nasdaq did run some 400 tests ahead of the Facebook I.P.O., and the company used the system in question for more than five years.

The New York Times

The Lagrangian L is defined as L = T − V, where T is the kinetic energy and V the potential energy of the system in question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most of the court file in the Nevada case is sealed, and the appellate decision did not discuss the nature of the investigation or specify the brand of the system in question.

The New York Times

But the appellate ruling was narrow, based on the fact that safety features of the system in question had to be disabled to permit the government to listen in.

The New York Times

If the system in question is a message written as a series of digital bits encoded in the polarisation of light, this means that intercepting and reading the message can no longer be done surreptitiously.

The Economist

Complex thickness resonance frequencies are examined for the system in question.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The final decision will very much depend on the specific characteristics of the system in question.

Urban Rail Transit

Monitoring tools which collect, analyse and visualise data from the system in question.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The system in question is called NavyStar and is supplied to the British Royal Navy by Fujitsu.

TechCrunch

This, Fichte conceded, is something that can be decided only after the construction of the system in question.

SEP

Clearly we do, despite the fact that the sentence is not derivable in the system in question.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the system in question" after you have clearly identified the system you are referring to, ensuring there is no ambiguity for the reader. This maintains clarity and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "the system in question" if you haven't already established what system you're discussing. Without prior context, it can leave your audience wondering what you're actually referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the system in question" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying a particular system that has been previously mentioned or is understood within the context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase for referencing a specific system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the system in question" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for referencing a specific system that has already been introduced. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a clear and unambiguous way to maintain focus and avoid confusion. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in science, news, and formal communications. To use it effectively, ensure the system has been clearly identified beforehand. Consider alternatives like "the relevant system" or "the specific system" for nuanced variations. When writing, confirm that your readers know exactly what system you are talking about!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the system under consideration

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of considering the system.

the system being examined

This phrase focuses on the process of examination or investigation of the system.

the relevant system

This alternative highlights the relevance of the system to the current discussion.

the aforementioned system

This option refers to a system already mentioned, creating a clear link to prior context.

the subject system

This phrase frames the system as the subject of analysis or discussion.

the specific system

This choice emphasizes the particularity of the system being referenced.

the particular system at issue

This alternative indicates that the system is causing some difficulty or dispute.

the system in focus

This option highlights that the system is the primary point of attention.

the system at hand

This phrase suggests that the system is the immediate concern or task.

the applicable system

This alternative denotes that the system is relevant and appropriate in a given context.

FAQs

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

You can use "the system in question" to refer back to a specific system that has already been mentioned or is understood within the context of the discussion. For instance, "After analyzing the data from "the system at hand", we can conclude..."

What phrases can I use instead of "the system in question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the relevant system", "the system under consideration", or "the specific system", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the system in question", or should I rephrase it?

Saying "the system in question" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's a clear way to refer back to a previously mentioned system. It's fine to use it unless you feel another phrasing would be more concise or precise for your specific context.

What's the difference between "the system in question" and "the system at hand"?

"The system in question" generally refers back to something already discussed, while "the system at hand" implies that it is the current, immediate focus. The nuance depends on whether you're referencing a past point or emphasizing present attention.