thing in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thing in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific subject or item that is being discussed or considered. Example: "The thing in question is the new policy that was implemented last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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 a figurative, interpretative, and cryptic sense, names and metaphors denote the person or thing in question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

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

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

The Guardian - Tech

The contortions that this doctrine produces, particularly in situations where the donative intent is clear but the thing in question is awkward or impossible to deliver, have long been noted by courts and commentators alike.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As obsessive readers of this blog are aware, I disapprove of the mania for renaming things after politicians, especially when the thing in question already has a name that is beautiful and evocative — e.g., Idlewild (now J.F.K).

The New Yorker

The useful thing in question was to adjudicate between two competing models of how nerve cells operate.Nerve cells transmit their signals using electrically charged atoms (called ions) of sodium and potassium, which work rather like electrons in a metal wire.

The Economist

To determine the empirical possibility of a thing, according to Immanuel Kant (1724 1804), it must be ascertained whether the nature of the thing in question conforms to the conditions of actual experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thing in question" to clearly identify a specific item or topic you are referring to, especially when it has already been introduced or is central to the discussion. This avoids ambiguity and maintains focus.

Common error

Avoid using "thing in question" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "subject under consideration" or "matter at hand". Vary your language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thing in question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a determiner specifying a particular item or subject that is being discussed or has already been mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

24%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thing in question" is a versatile noun phrase used to clearly refer to a specific item or topic under discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, it's advisable to use it judiciously in highly formal writing, considering alternatives like "subject under consideration" for a more sophisticated tone. Remember to use "thing in question" to focus your audience on a specific previously introduced element to avoid ambiguity and maintain focus in your written communication. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources highlight its importance as a useful tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter at hand

Replaces "thing" with "matter", focusing on the issue being discussed.

topic under discussion

Emphasizes the conversational aspect, referring to the subject currently being talked about.

subject in question

Uses "subject" instead of "thing", making it slightly more formal and precise.

item under consideration

Highlights the act of evaluating or thinking carefully about something.

issue at stake

Shifts the focus to the potential consequences or importance of the matter.

point in question

Highlights a specific detail or aspect of the broader topic.

aspect being examined

Emphasizes the analytical perspective and the act of close scrutiny.

detail being discussed

Focuses on a particular element or piece of information being talked about.

the aforementioned item

Refers back to something previously mentioned, creating a formal tone.

relevant element

Highlights the importance of the item to the current context.

FAQs

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

The phrase "thing in question" is used to refer to a specific item or topic that has already been mentioned or is the focus of the discussion. For example, "The experiment focused on the "thing in question": the effects of sunlight on plant growth."

What phrases can I use instead of "thing in question"?

You can use alternatives such as "matter at hand", "subject in question", or "item under consideration" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "thing in question" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "thing in question" might sound less formal than other options. In academic or professional contexts, consider using phrases like "subject under consideration" or "topic at hand".

What's the difference between "thing in question" and "issue in question"?

"Thing in question" refers broadly to an item, object, or topic, while "issue in question" specifically refers to a problem or matter of debate. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects what you are discussing.