the works in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the works in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to specific works or items that have been previously mentioned or are under discussion. Example: "The committee reviewed the works in question before making their final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Law

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The works in question are drawings.

The New York Times - Arts

But Christie's has valued the works in question — including the stolen Giacometti and Morandi pieces — at about $2.4 million.

The New York Times

"In this sale it's the friendship, the human aspect that interested me more than the works in question.

The New York Times

The question for the justices was whether that rule, called the first-sale doctrine, also applies when the works in question were made abroad.

The New York Times

After interviewing the collector, they reported that the collector had never owned any of the works in question and had never had a business relationship with Ms. Rosales.

The New York Times - Arts

These essays are exemplary instances of reader-friendly criticism in that they can be studied profitably even by people unfamiliar with the works in question.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The work in question (the programme ended yesterday) doesn't strike me as intrinsically demeaning.

The Economist

And what about when the work in question lives in bodies, not objects?

The New York Times - Arts

The party said the work in question has been used by other organisations without complaint.

The Guardian

The work in question is Vogel's extraordinary book from 1974, "Film as a Subversive Art".

The New Yorker

As for the work in question, he denies painting this so-so landscape.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the works in question" when referring to a specific set of creations or items that have already been identified or are clearly implied within the context of your writing. This helps maintain clarity and avoids unnecessary repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "the works in question" in overly broad or general contexts where the specific works are not clearly defined or relevant. Doing so can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted. Opt for simpler, more direct language when the context does not require such specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the works in question" functions as a determiner phrase clarifying which specific works are being referred to. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “the works in question” is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to refer to specific items or creations that have already been identified or are under discussion. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media, arts, and formal business contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives may be better suited for informal situations. Be mindful of overuse and ensure the works being referred to are clearly defined to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aforementioned creations

Refers to works that have been previously mentioned.

the items at hand

Refers to things being directly dealt with or considered.

the relevant pieces

Emphasizes that the items are pertinent and applicable to the subject.

the matters in dispute

Focuses on items that are being argued or debated.

the concerned projects

Highlights the projects that are relevant to the context.

the subjects under discussion

Highlights that the items are currently being talked about.

the artworks being assessed

Specifies that the pieces are undergoing evaluation.

the pieces in contention

Emphasizes that the items are being competed for or challenged.

the pertinent creations

Focuses on the relevant artistic creations.

the specific compositions

Highlights that they are specific pieces of work.

FAQs

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

Use "the works in question" to refer back to specific items already mentioned. For example, "After reviewing the submissions, the committee selected "the works in question" for the exhibition".

What's a simpler alternative to "the works in question"?

Alternatives include "the items at hand", "the relevant pieces", or simply "these works", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the works in question" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the works in question" is generally more suited for formal or professional writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "the items we're talking about" might be more appropriate.

When should I choose "the works in question" over "the work in question"?

"The works in question" is used when referring to multiple items or creations, while "the work in question" refers to a single item. For example, use "the works" when discussing several paintings, but "the work" when discussing a specific novel.