this is the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce or highlight a specific question that needs to be addressed or answered. Example: "After much consideration, I have come to a conclusion. This is the question: How can we improve our team's performance?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is the question.

The Guardian

This is the question asked all along.

The Economist

This is the question of the book.

The Washington Post

This is the question of the census.

The New York Times

This is the question of cognitive science.

The Guardian - Books

This is the question of the day.

The New York Times

And this is the question of aesthetics.

The Guardian - Books

In a way, this is the question.

The New York Times

This is the question: Did Trump make the difference?

The Washington Post

This is the question of long term stability.

MIT Technology Review

This is the question Jones concentrates on with grim vehemence.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is the question" to clearly introduce a pivotal inquiry, especially when transitioning between related ideas or setting up a critical point in an argument. For example: "We've analyzed the data; now, "this is the question": What are the practical implications of these findings?"

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "this is the question". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and predictable. Instead, consider varying your sentence structure and using alternative phrases to introduce different facets of the central question.

Linguistic Context

Introducing a focal point. "This is the question" functions to introduce and emphasize the central query or problem under consideration. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse contexts. It signals that what follows is the core issue to be addressed or debated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is the question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase suitable for various writing styles. It serves to spotlight a central inquiry, ensuring its significance is recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse by incorporating related alternatives such as "the question is" or "the key question is" to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the question is

Omits the introductory "this is", resulting in a slightly more direct and concise expression.

here is the question

Replaces "this" with "here", which can emphasize the immediacy or relevance of the question.

the key question is

Adds emphasis on the importance of the question being posed.

the central question is

Highlights that the question is at the core or center of the discussion.

the main question is

Similar to "central question", it stresses the primary importance of the inquiry.

the fundamental question is

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the question.

the issue at hand is

Shifts focus from a question to an issue, framing it as a problem to be addressed.

what we need to know is

Focuses on the need for information, rather than directly posing a question.

the crux of the matter is

Emphasizes the most vital point or difficulty in a situation.

the heart of the matter is

Similar to "crux of the matter", it highlights the core or essence of the situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is the question" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "the question is", "here is the question", or "the key question is" to introduce the main point depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "this is the question"?

While grammatically correct, overuse in close proximity can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement. Additionally, ensure the phrase introduces a genuine question, not a statement.

What's the difference between "this is the question" and "the question is"?

"This is the question" emphasizes the importance of the question being introduced. "The question is" is more direct and neutral, simply presenting the question without additional emphasis.

How to use "this is the question" effectively in a presentation?

Use "this is the question" to highlight a crucial turning point in your presentation. Follow it with a clear and concise articulation of the question to maintain audience focus. Avoid using it for rhetorical questions.