In question Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Contextual Clues Look around the phrase for hints about what specifically 'in question' refers to. The report in question was on the CEO's desk yesterday. Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Reference The phrase 'in question' often follows directly after the subject it identifies. The suspect in question was seen leaving the scene. Pro Tip 3/3Narrowing Down Use 'in question' to single out one particular item from a general category. Of all the cakes, the one in question had a cherry on top.