the verb in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the verb in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific verb that has been previously mentioned or is under discussion. Example: "In the sentence 'She runs every morning,' the verb in question is 'runs.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The government had argued that the "knowingly" requirement applied only to the verbs in question.

The New York Times

Zhang (2012) posits that clauses such as (8) and existentials exhibit a kind of isomerism as a result of the semantic extension of the verbs in question.

Functional Linguistics

So, the verb in the relative clause must be plural.

The New York Times

Such positional mobility, however, cannot be found in the case of counterfactual attitude verbs in question; see example 29.

Lingua Sinica

Drone exhibited unusual habit of repeating the verb of all questions asked him.

The New Yorker

Unlike those IAs which are based on a ditransitive verb, the IAs in question cannot advance a direct object (DO).

Lingua Sinica

The auxiliary verb in the tag questions matches that of the clause.

BBC

But what are the verbs in those sentences?

The New York Times

Verb Tense Shifts: Remember to keep the tense of the verbs in accordance.

WikiHow

Considerable attention is given to the composition featuring in the verb 'is', in the form of the question of whether the composition involved can be counted among beings or not, considering the fact that it can be used to express different kinds of states of affairs.

SEP

Use an action verb and write down the task in question.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the verb in question" when you need to clearly identify a specific verb that is central to your discussion. This phrasing is helpful in academic writing, technical documentation, or any context where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "the verb in question" in simple sentences where the verb is already obvious. Opt for a more direct reference to the verb to maintain clarity and conciseness. For example, instead of saying, 'The verb in question is 'run',' simply state, ''Run' is the verb'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the verb in question" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular verb that is being considered or analyzed. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the verb in question" is a grammatically correct phrase used to specifically identify a verb under consideration. While not overly common, it appears across various sources, including scientific journals and news media, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to focus attention and clarify discussions, particularly in formal contexts requiring precision. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is perfectly acceptable, and our analysis provides guidance for its appropriate use and alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the verb under discussion

Changes the focus to the act of discussing the verb, rather than questioning it.

the verb being considered

Emphasizes the ongoing process of thinking about the verb.

the verb at issue

Highlights that the verb is central to a specific problem or debate.

the verb in focus

Indicates that the verb is the main point of attention.

the verb concerned

A more concise and formal way of referring to the relevant verb.

the specified verb

Highlights that the verb has been previously identified or designated.

the aforementioned verb

Refers back to a verb that has already been mentioned.

the relevant verb

Indicates that the verb is pertinent to the current context.

the verb we are talking about

A more conversational way to pinpoint the verb of interest.

the verb in this context

Specifies that the verb is being considered within a particular situation or usage.

FAQs

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

You can use "the verb in question" to refer to a specific verb you are analyzing or discussing. For example, "In the sentence 'They are eating,' "'are eating'" is the verb in question."

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

Some alternatives include "the verb under discussion", "the "relevant verb"", or "the "verb at issue"", depending on the context.

Is "the verb in question" formal or informal?

"The verb in question" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for academic, technical, and professional writing where precision is important.

When should I avoid using "the verb in question"?

Avoid using "the verb in question" in very simple sentences where the verb is already clear and obvious, as it can sound redundant. In such cases, it's better to refer directly to the verb.