topics in question

USAGE SUMMARY

"topics in question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to issues or topics that are being discussed or considered. For example, "We must consider the topics in question before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

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

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

The topic in question was a football match.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "topics in question", ensure the context makes it clear what topics you're referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing prior context or clearly defining the scope.

Common error

Avoid using "topics in question" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "what we're talking about" or "these topics" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topics in question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an adjectival phrase modifying "topics". Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and serves to specify the subjects currently under consideration. This phrase often introduces or refers back to subjects that have already been established within a given context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "topics in question" is a grammatically sound way to refer to specific subjects under consideration, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily functioning as a noun phrase, it effectively narrows the focus of a discussion or analysis. While its usage isn't extremely common, it appears across various reputable sources, particularly in scientific and news contexts. For less formal situations, alternatives like "subjects under discussion" may be more appropriate. Remember to provide sufficient context when using "topics in question" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjects under consideration

Replaces "topics" with "subjects" and "question" with "consideration", slightly more formal.

matters at hand

Uses "matters" instead of "topics", implying a sense of urgency or importance.

issues being discussed

Focuses on the action of discussing, rather than the topics themselves.

concerns in question

Emphasizes the potentially problematic nature of the topics.

subjects of inquiry

Frames the topics as subjects of investigation or examination.

points under discussion

Highlights specific points rather than broader subjects.

themes being explored

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the topics.

areas of focus

Suggests a deliberate selection of topics for attention.

matters under review

Implies a formal assessment or evaluation of the topics.

aspects in focus

Similar to 'areas of focus', but suggests a narrower scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "topics in question" to refer to specific subjects currently being discussed. For example, "Let's address the "topics in question" one by one".

What's a simpler alternative to "topics in question"?

Alternatives include "subjects under discussion", "matters at hand", or simply "these topics", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "topics in question" formal or informal?

"Topics in question" leans towards formal usage, making it suitable for academic papers, professional reports, or structured discussions. For less formal settings, consider using "subjects under discussion".

How do I ensure clarity when using "topics in question"?

Provide sufficient context before using "topics in question" to ensure your audience understands which subjects you are referring to. Avoid using it in isolation without prior explanation.