Out of the question means impossible, not even worth discussing. An option can't happen or simply won't be considered: Leaving before the final check is out of the question. As a reply to a request ('Could we move the date?' 'That's out of the question.') it sounds firm, almost blunt. An action goes in the -ing form: flying today is out of the question.
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be out of the question; doing something is out of the question
- Leaving before the final check is out of the question.
- With every room booked, adding another group is out of the question.
- 'Could we move the date to tomorrow?' 'That's out of the question.'
What changed
First versionFlying today is out of question because the airport is closed.
RevisionFlying today is out of the question because the airport is closed.
Small words like the slip out of fixed phrases easily, and out of question is a common result. But the expression only works whole: out of the question. With the back in, it sounds the way native speakers say it.
Without question and no question mean 'without doubt': She's the best candidate, no question. Out of the question is the reverse: 'no way'. The word question is the same, but the meaning is opposite.
Your turn
'Can I borrow your car for a month?' '___ — I need it every day.'
Show the answer
Out of the question — You need the car every day, so this is a firm refusal: out of the question. No question would mean 'without doubt', which is almost a yes.
A friend invites you to the beach this weekend, but you have an exam on Monday. Say no in one sentence with out of the question.
A beach trip this weekend is out of the question — I have an exam on Monday.
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