a form of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a form of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing different methods or types of questioning or investigation in various contexts, such as research, education, or philosophy. Example: "Qualitative research is often considered a form of inquiry that seeks to understand human behavior and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

To Brown, 'fishing is a form of inquiry.

The Guardian - Books

Akeel Bilgrami, the Sidney Morgenbesser Chair in Philosophy and Global Thought at Columbia, sets out to answer these questions systematically, thereby extending a form of inquiry started by Edward Said to questions that Said himself never asked.

Cornell University

Kim et al. (2011) demonstrated both similarities as well as differences in perception of science as a form of inquiry between in-service and pre-service elementary science teachers in Singapore.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Although lesson study is considered as a form of inquiry into teaching practice, proponents of lesson study generally may not expect teachers to be setting up a research problem, research conceptual/theoretical frame, research question, research design, and systematic data collection and analysis to answer the research question.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

As science is one of the key pillars of economic growth for Singapore, innovations are encouraged and in order to help students learn science in a critical and creative manner, science as a form of inquiry formed the core of the science curriculum from 2008.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

as it was formulated prior to the introduction of Western philosophy; (3) a form of inquiry which has methods and themes that are Western in origin, but that can be applied to pre-modern, pre-Westernized, Japanese thinking; and (4) a kind of reverse Orientalism that asserts the superiority of specifically Japanese ways of thinking.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In health professional education, a case-based approach utilizes the concepts of adult learning and offers a form of inquiry-based learning that falls between the structured and guided level that is preferred by learners [ 33].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The Orgreave campaigners, supported by the Hillsborough families, argue that only a full public inquiry – or a form of open inquiry that can compel evidence – can establish the truth about what happened at Orgreave, how it links to institutional failures that caused the deaths at Hillsborough and subsequent alleged cover-up, and begin to restore trust in the police.

The Guardian

Abbott: Just to reiterate, a royal commission is a form of judicial inquiry and we did promise a judicial inquiry into the AWU slush fund prior to the election.

The Guardian

To do so would entail a different, perhaps more reflexive notion of critical social inquiry, in which democracy is not only the object of study but is itself understood as a form of social inquiry.

SEP

A form of practical inquiry is being lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a form of inquiry", ensure the context clearly defines the specific type of investigation or questioning being referred to. Be precise in differentiating it from other potential methods.

Common error

Avoid using "a form of inquiry" when a more specific term like "survey", "experiment", or "case study" would provide greater clarity and precision. For instance, instead of stating that "the research was a form of inquiry", specify it as "the research employed a case study approach".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a form of inquiry" serves as a noun phrase that identifies and categorizes a particular method or approach to investigation. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely usable. Examples from Ludwig show it used in varied contexts like science, education, and philosophy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a form of inquiry" is a versatile phrase used to categorize methods of investigation across various domains. According to Ludwig, the expression is grammatically sound and widely applicable. While suitable for formal and scientific contexts, it also appears in news media, reflecting a neutral register. The key is to ensure the context provides clarity regarding the specific type of inquiry. Related phrases offer alternative ways to convey the same concept, each with slight differences in emphasis. By being mindful of potential overgeneralization, writers can effectively use "a form of inquiry" to enhance precision and clarity in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a method of investigation

Focuses on the structured approach rather than the nature of questioning.

a type of investigation

Highlights the categorization of the investigative process.

a mode of questioning

Emphasizes the style or manner in which questions are posed.

an avenue of exploration

Implies a broader, less structured approach to discovery.

a means of discovery

Highlights the outcome of finding new information or insights.

a process of examination

Stresses a detailed and systematic review.

a route to understanding

Suggests a pathway towards gaining comprehension.

a technique for probing

Focuses on the specific skill or method used to delve into a subject.

an approach to research

Highlights the research-oriented perspective of the inquiry.

a strategy for learning

Emphasizes the educational aspect and the intent to gain knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "a form of inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "a form of inquiry" to describe a method or process used to investigate something, such as, "The scientific method is "a form of inquiry" used to understand the natural world."

What are some alternatives to "a form of inquiry"?

Alternatives include "a method of investigation", "a type of questioning", or "an avenue of exploration", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a form of inquiry" in formal writing?

Yes, "a form of inquiry" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or scientific contexts where precise language is valued.

What distinguishes "a form of inquiry" from other types of research methods?

"A form of inquiry" is a general term that encompasses various research methods. It highlights the investigative nature of the process, whereas terms like "experiment" or "survey" specify the particular method used.