this is a question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explicitly indicate that what you are about to say or ask is a question. Example: "Before I proceed, let me clarify: this is a question about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a question mark".

The New York Times

"This is a question of fairness.

The New York Times

But this is a question of degrees.

Independent

"This is a question of morals".

The New York Times

This is a question of aura.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a question I'm often asked.

The Guardian

This is a question of substance.

The Guardian

This is a question of border security".

The Guardian - Opinion

Partly, this is a question of personnel.

The Guardian

This is a question of taste.

The Guardian

This is a question of restraint.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "the question is" or "a key question is" to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this is a question" without providing sufficient context or connection between them. This can make your writing sound repetitive and disjointed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a question" functions as a discourse marker, specifically to introduce or highlight an inquiry. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it prefaces a statement that seeks an answer or clarification. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is a question" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce an inquiry or highlight a point of uncertainty. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and usable in written English. It is particularly prevalent in news media, scientific publications, and formal business communication, serving to clearly signal an upcoming question to the reader or listener. While alternatives like "the question is" or "a key question is" can add variety, it's important to avoid overuse and maintain clear context. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively employ "this is a question" to enhance clarity and engagement in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The question is

A more concise way of presenting the question.

A key question is

Highlights the importance of the question being posed.

This raises a question

Replaces the verb "is" with "raises", emphasizing the action of prompting the question.

A relevant question to ask is

Highlights the pertinence of the question.

One question that arises is

Focuses on the emergence or relevance of the question.

This brings up a question

Suggests that the question is a natural consequence of the preceding discussion.

Here's a question to consider

Introduces the question more directly as something to think about.

The central question revolves around

Emphasizes the core issue at stake.

We need to ask ourselves

Turns the question into a self-directed inquiry.

Let's explore the question of

Framing the question as something to be investigated.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a question" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a question" to introduce a query or point of uncertainty. For example, "This is a question of ethics that needs careful consideration."

What are some alternatives to "this is a question"?

Alternatives include "the question is", "a key question is", or "this raises a question", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "this is a question" before posing a question?

No, it's not always necessary. "This is a question" is useful when you want to emphasize that you are about to pose a question or when the question arises from a previous statement. However, direct questions without this introductory phrase are perfectly acceptable and often more concise.

What's the difference between "this is a question" and simply asking the question directly?

Using "this is a question" signals to the reader or listener that you are about to transition into an inquiry. It can provide context or highlight the importance of the question. Asking the question directly is more straightforward and suitable when the context is already clear.