there's no question

[Eugene2114]

Hi,
Toying with the expression ‘there's no question ‘ in: "Asked if some of the challenges and criticisms faced by President Barack Obama were down to the colour of his skin, she said: "There's no question.", it just struck me that should you drop the ‘there’s’, the answer (“No question.”) could be treated differently (1= certainly/ absolutely; 2=no question of it/no possibility). What do you say?

[Beeesneees]

I don't think it matters whether the 'there's' is dropped or not. I think the answer is ambiguous unless you add 'There's no question that it did.'
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Cristina.ro]

I'd say

"There's no question." is short for "There's no question about it/that." = it is certain.

[Beeesneees]

LOL, yes. That'll teach me to read the statement carefully. Well spotted.

For me, I think without the addition, the answer could equally mean 'there's no question that it didn't' or even 'There's no question. it's not relevant'.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Cristina.ro]

[Beeesneees]

I'd agree concerning 'no question' but for me preceding that with 'there's' adds just a touch of ambiguity.
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett