under question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'under question' is a perfectly acceptable and correct idiom that can be used in written English.
For example, you might write: "The origin of the strange noise remains under question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything came under question".

The New York Times - Style

Its curriculum came under question.

The Washington Post

What document is under question?

The New York Times

Their once inscrutable mentality is under question.

The Guardian - Sport

But its allegiances often came under question.

The Guardian

The government's ability to clamp down is under question.

The Economist

If it did not shoot, its morale came under question.

The Economist

The veracity of the incident has come under question.

The New Yorker

The success of the A380 superjumbo is still under question.

The Economist

The value of the theory, however, has come under question.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whenever his mental health came under question, he became outraged.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under question" to express that something is being doubted, challenged, or investigated. It implies uncertainty or controversy surrounding a particular topic or issue.

Common error

While "under question" is generally acceptable, excessive use in casual conversation might sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "in doubt" or "uncertain" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under question" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is currently being doubted, challenged, or scrutinized. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples across varied source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under question" is a commonly used prepositional phrase to indicate doubt, scrutiny, or investigation. Ludwig AI verifies that its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is considered very common. While versatile, its register leans towards neutral and formal contexts, making it appropriate for news, academic, and professional settings. For informal conversations, simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Remember that source authority plays a crucial role; "under question" is frequently found in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist, lending credibility to its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

called into question

Emphasizes the act of expressing doubt or raising concerns about something's validity or reliability.

in doubt

Indicates uncertainty about the truth or reliability of something, placing more emphasis on the lack of certainty.

subject to scrutiny

Highlights the act of being carefully examined or investigated, emphasizing a critical evaluation.

open to debate

Suggests that the matter is not settled and is suitable for discussion and differing opinions.

in dispute

Implies an active disagreement or contention regarding the matter.

debatable

Describes something that is not certain or agreed upon and can be argued about.

uncertain

Focuses on the lack of sureness or definiteness, highlighting the absence of clear knowledge.

challenged

Indicates that something has been formally questioned or its validity has been disputed.

contested

Suggests a more active and vigorous opposition or dispute.

in the balance

Indicates that the outcome is still undecided and subject to influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "under question" to indicate that something's validity, accuracy, or reliability is being doubted or challenged. For example: "The authenticity of the document is "under question"."

What phrases are similar to "under question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in doubt", "subject to scrutiny", or "open to debate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in question" or "under question"?

"Under question" typically implies that something is currently being doubted or investigated, while "in question" generally refers to the specific item or matter being discussed. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "under question"?

The phrase "under question" is suitable for formal writing and discussions when you want to express that something is being doubted, challenged, or examined. It's commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and professional settings.