the topic in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the topic in question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a topic that has already been discussed. For example: After further discussion, I am convinced that the solution to the topic in question is best resolved by implementing a new system.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

To be understood, any new piece of testimony typically needs to be consistent with, and integrated into, what is already known about the topic in question.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A

And apriori conceptual analysis cannot be trusted to reveal what's genuinely possible at best, it reveals one's current fallible assumptions about the topic in question.

SEP

The present study can be linked to the following authors and their approaches as they present similar perspectives of the topic in question.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Beyond its Hellenic foundations, the event is a truly global love-in, bringing together the works of poets from 30 countries; a multinational achievement only made possible by the topic in question – no other subject transcends geographical and cultural boundaries with the same conviction.

BBC

However, co-founder and CEO Guillaume Decugis argued that "when you follow topics and not people," the signal-to-noise ratio improves significantly (at least if you're interested in learning more about the topic in question, rather than getting updates about someone's life).

TechCrunch

While it is true that one scrolls to the bottom of an article to see what people are saying about the topic in question, a comment section is simply not a good way to find that out — and not only are there better ways, but there are few worse.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The references we provide below are only a small sample of the work available on the topics in question; more complete bibliographies are available at the specific topical entries and also at the end of this entry.

SEP

When things such as this happen, I wonder why the offenders aren't invited to debate sensibly with the "offended" on the topics in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

As NAS staffers commonly explain, the most knowledgeable scientists available on many issues also happen to be the ones who have worked and published extensively on the topics in question, so the intention is not to exclude all scientists who might have strong viewpoints.

Environmental Health Perspectives

At two occasions after the interviews were carried out, a preliminary understanding of the topics in question, together with new questions where information was lacking, was emailed to unit leaders and municipal staff in order to clear-up possible misunderstanding (mainly involving financial and organization issues).

BMC Health Services Research

After several years of conducting qualitative research as well as mixed methods research, combining broad surveys with in depth focus group studies, we have started reflecting upon an apparent tendency for focus groups to convey a more negative view of the topics in question than the views conveyed through surveys.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the topic in question" when you want to clearly refer back to a previously mentioned topic, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the topic in question" when the context already makes it perfectly clear what you're referring to; concise language improves clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the topic in question" functions as a noun phrase acting as a post-modified noun. It is used to specifically identify a subject or matter that has been previously mentioned or is currently under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the topic in question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for explicitly referencing a previously mentioned subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. It is most common in science and news media contexts, serving to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in register, it is suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it adds value by clarifying the reference and preventing redundancy by confirming its correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subject at hand

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the immediacy of the subject.

the matter under discussion

This alternative emphasizes the act of discussing the topic.

the issue being considered

This alternative highlights the aspect of careful consideration of the issue.

the point in question

This alternative narrows the focus to a specific point within the broader topic.

the theme in focus

This alternative stresses the central theme or idea.

the item under review

This alternative suggests a formal or systematic examination of the topic.

the area of concern

This alternative implies the topic is related to worries or problems.

the aspect being analyzed

This alternative foregrounds analytical perspective.

the detail at stake

This alternative highlights the importance of the specific element being considered.

the particular subject matter

This alternative places emphasis on the specific details of the topic

FAQs

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

You can use "the topic in question" to refer back to a subject that has already been mentioned or is currently being discussed. For example, "After reviewing the data, it is clear that further research is needed on "the topic in question"".

What are some alternatives to using "the topic in question"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the subject at hand", "the matter under discussion", or "the issue being considered".

Is it always necessary to specify "in question" after mentioning a topic?

No, it's not always necessary. If the context makes it clear which topic you're referring to, you can simply use "the topic". The phrase "in question" adds emphasis and clarity when there might be ambiguity.

When is "the topic in question" more appropriate than "the topic"?

"The topic in question" is more appropriate when you want to explicitly distinguish the specific topic you're currently discussing from other related topics that might be relevant.