topic in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topic in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific subject or issue that is being discussed or examined. Example: "The topic in question has sparked a lot of debate among experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

To be understood, any new piece of testimony typically needs to be consistent with, and integrated into, what is already known about the topic in question.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A

Modern search interfaces provide little additional context about the topic in question, leaving the burden to the user to create their own retrieval processes.

University of California, Berkeley

Thus the information gathered from surveys of the type featured in this latest article is meaningless, since no effort was made to educate the survey respondents on the topic in question.

The Guardian

Each article of the CRPD contains a methodical analysis of the preparatory works, followed by an exhaustive examination of the contents of each article based on case law and concluding observations from the CRPD Committee, judgments from national and international courts and tribunals, pertinent UN and other reports, and literature on the topic in question.

Harvard University

Continuing the Benjaminian tradition, the German cultural historian Wolfgang Schievelbusch has shown us how such a broad concept of history can be used to shed light not only on the topic in question - the railway, artificial lighting, stimulants ­ but on the ways in which artefacts are embedded in the complex discursive fabrics and patterns reigning in a culture.

Stanford University

The topic in question was a football match.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The references we provide below are only a small sample of the work available on the topics in question; more complete bibliographies are available at the specific topical entries and also at the end of this entry.

SEP

When things such as this happen, I wonder why the offenders aren't invited to debate sensibly with the "offended" on the topics in question.

The Guardian - Opinion

At two occasions after the interviews were carried out, a preliminary understanding of the topics in question, together with new questions where information was lacking, was emailed to unit leaders and municipal staff in order to clear-up possible misunderstanding (mainly involving financial and organization issues).

BMC Health Services Research

After several years of conducting qualitative research as well as mixed methods research, combining broad surveys with in depth focus group studies, we have started reflecting upon an apparent tendency for focus groups to convey a more negative view of the topics in question than the views conveyed through surveys.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

As NAS staffers commonly explain, the most knowledgeable scientists available on many issues also happen to be the ones who have worked and published extensively on the topics in question, so the intention is not to exclude all scientists who might have strong viewpoints.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, ensure the "topic in question" has been adequately introduced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "topic in question" in very casual conversation; simpler phrasing like "the topic" or "what we're talking about" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic in question" functions as a noun phrase used to specifically reference a subject under consideration. This clarifies the discussion, ensuring focus and avoiding ambiguity. Ludwig AI shows its use in various contexts to pinpoint a specific area of interest.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topic in question" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to pinpoint a specific subject under discussion or analysis. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news and media, and academia. While versatile, it is advisable to avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler phrasing might suffice. Alternatives such as ""subject under discussion"" or ""matter at hand"" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. In essence, "topic in question" is a reliable tool for clarity and precision in communication, especially in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject under discussion

Emphasizes the act of discussing the topic.

matter at hand

Focuses on the immediacy and relevance of the topic.

issue in question

Highlights a problem or point of contention.

theme being discussed

Emphasizes the broad theme or subject area.

point of discussion

Highlights a specific point being discussed.

aforementioned topic

Refers back to a topic already mentioned.

subject in focus

Emphasizes the focus being on a particular subject.

current subject

Indicates the present topic of conversation or analysis.

present matter

Highlights the issue currently under consideration.

specific issue

Indicates a particular issue being addressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "topic in question" to refer back to a subject that has already been introduced or is currently under discussion. For example, "The research focused on the topic in question to determine its long-term effects."

What are some alternatives to "topic in question"?

Some alternatives include "subject under discussion", "matter at hand", or "issue in question". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "topic in question" formal or informal?

"Topic in question" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts but might sound overly formal in casual conversation.

Can "topic in question" refer to multiple subjects?

While it usually refers to a single subject, "topic in question" can be used when referring to a well-defined set of subjects collectively being discussed. However, for clarity, it's often better to specify "topics in question" when multiple subjects are involved.