the thing in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the thing in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been previously mentioned or is already known about in a conversation or article. For example, "The thing in question is still unresolved and requires further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The one I'm reading as I write is The Next Big Thing, whose title couldn't be more painfully ironic if it tried (the thing in question is death).

The Guardian - Books

In some cases, I know the thing in question backwards and forwards because I have TOTAL MIND VISION.

The New Yorker

What he wanted to do, he says, was to get to the essence of the thing in question.

The New Yorker

The "thing" in question, of course, was the formation last month of a governing coalition including the rightist Freedom Party of Jorg Haider.

The New York Times

His argument almost always amounted to the same thing -- that the thing in question, the war, the arms race, didn't make sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, in order to be correct, this fixing by no means needs to uncover the thing in question in its essence.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

E Numbers: An Edible Adventure (BBC2) was a programme that seemed to have eaten too many of the things in question.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

MINNEAPOLIS (The Borowitz Report) — Many Americans are tired of explaining things to idiots, particularly when the things in question are so painfully obvious, a new poll indicates.

The New Yorker

MINNEAPOLIS (The Borowitz Report)—Many Americans are tired of explaining things to idiots, particularly when the things in question are so painfully obvious, a new poll indicates.

The New Yorker

By Andy Borowitz June 23 , 2015MINNEAPOLIS (The Borowitz Report) — Many Americans are tired of explaining things to idiots, particularly when the things in question are so painfully obvious, a new poll indicates.

The New Yorker

When American presidents are actually spotted with books, the things in question are usually garish bricks of pounding prose, with subtitles beginning "What" or "When" or "Why" ("Why America became the Greatest Power on Earth," and so on).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the thing in question" to clearly refer back to a specific item, topic, or issue that has already been introduced or is well-understood within the context. This avoids ambiguity and keeps the focus on the relevant subject.

Common error

Avoid overusing "the thing in question" in very formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than more precise terminology. Consider using a specific noun or phrase that directly names what you're referring to for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the thing in question" serves as a referential expression. It points back to a specific item, topic, or concept that has already been introduced in the discourse. The function is to maintain coherence and avoid unnecessary repetition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the thing in question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as verified by Ludwig. It functions as a referential expression, maintaining clarity by pointing back to previously mentioned items or concepts. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most commonly in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid any ambiguity. Be mindful of overusing it in formal writing, as more specific language may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter at hand

Replaces "thing" with "matter" and uses "at hand" to indicate immediate relevance, altering the focus slightly to the present concern.

the issue in focus

Substitutes "thing" with "issue" and "question" with "focus", highlighting a problem or topic being examined.

the subject under discussion

Replaces "thing" with "subject" and frames the phrase around active conversation, indicating formal context.

the item being considered

Uses "item" instead of "thing" and emphasizes deliberation or evaluation, suggesting a more formal or analytical setting.

the aspect in view

Replaces "thing" with "aspect" focusing on a specific feature or facet under consideration, offering a nuanced perspective.

the point at issue

Uses "point" to denote a specific detail or argument and "at issue" to underscore its disputable nature, adding a layer of contention.

the topic in context

Replaces "thing" with "topic" and emphasizes the surrounding circumstances or setting, broadening the scope of reference.

the element involved

Substitutes "thing" with "element," highlighting the component's role within a larger system or situation.

the detail mentioned

Emphasizes the act of prior articulation, indicating a reliance on previously provided information or reference points.

the phenomenon observed

Shifts the meaning towards observable occurrences or events, altering the connotation from a general "thing" to a specific instance.

FAQs

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

Use "the thing in question" to refer back to something previously mentioned, like this: "We discussed several options, but "the thing in question" is whether we have enough resources."

What are some alternatives to "the thing in question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the matter at hand", "the issue in focus", or "the subject under discussion" to replace "the thing in question".

Is "the thing in question" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "the thing in question" leans towards neutral to slightly informal. In more formal contexts, consider more precise language. The acceptability may vary depending on the audience and purpose.

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

"The thing in question" refers generally to something under consideration, whereas "the matter at hand" typically refers to a specific issue needing immediate attention or resolution.