a formal inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal inquiry" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a serious and official investigation or examination into a matter or issue. Example: The government has launched a formal inquiry into the recent increase in crime rates in the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A formal inquiry may follow.

The Economist

But it is unclear if a formal inquiry has begun.

The New York Times

The commission began a formal inquiry into their procurement practices.

The New York Times

Chairwoman Deborah P. Majoras blocked a formal inquiry for months.

The New York Times

The Foreign Relations Committee began a formal inquiry.

The New York Times

The official said the investigation was not yet a formal inquiry.

The New York Times

On Dec. 12, Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, endorsed a formal inquiry into the allegations.

The New York Times

A simple majority vote in the full House can launch a formal inquiry.

The New York Times

Last Friday a senior judge, Lord Hutton, opened a formal inquiry into Dr. Kelly's death.

The New York Times

The Serious Fraud Office is also considering whether to launch a formal inquiry.

The Guardian - Business

The Native Women's Association of Canada is one of several groups pushing the national government to hold a formal inquiry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal inquiry" when you want to emphasize the structured and official nature of an investigation, often conducted by an authority or institution.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal inquiry" when referring to casual or preliminary investigations. This phrase implies a serious and structured process, so ensure the context warrants such a designation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies an official and structured investigation into a particular matter, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples where it precedes verbs like "began", "launched", or "opened".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal inquiry" is a widely used noun phrase denoting an official and structured investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and business contexts, indicating its use in professional settings. To ensure accuracy, it is best to use "a formal inquiry" when referring to investigations initiated by an authority and characterized by predefined procedures. When less formal situations are implied, alternative phrases like "an official investigation" or "a structured investigation" could be preferrable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official investigation

Focuses on the official and authorized nature of the investigation, emphasizing its legitimacy.

a structured investigation

Highlights the organized and methodical approach of the inquiry.

an in-depth examination

Emphasizes the thoroughness and detail-oriented nature of the inquiry.

a judicial review

Suggests a review conducted within a legal or judicial framework.

a fact-finding mission

Highlights the purpose of gathering information and establishing the truth.

a government probe

Specifies that the inquiry is being carried out by a governmental body.

a statutory investigation

Emphasizes that the inquiry is required by a statute or law.

a regulatory review

Indicates that the inquiry is focused on compliance with regulations.

a parliamentary investigation

Specifies that the inquiry is being carried out by a parliamentary body.

a board of inquiry

Refers to the specific body or group conducting the inquiry.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "a formal inquiry"?

The purpose of "a formal inquiry" is to conduct a structured and official investigation into a specific matter, often involving allegations of wrongdoing or a need for factual clarification. It aims to gather evidence, assess facts, and provide recommendations based on the findings.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a formal inquiry"?

It's appropriate to use "a formal inquiry" when referring to an official investigation initiated by an authority, such as a government agency, a regulatory body, or a professional organization. It suggests a more rigorous and structured process than a simple investigation.

What are some alternatives to "a formal inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "an official investigation", "a structured investigation", or "an in-depth examination" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a formal inquiry" differ from a regular investigation?

While both involve investigating a matter, "a formal inquiry" typically implies a higher level of structure, authority, and rigor. It often includes predefined procedures, legal frameworks, and the potential for significant consequences based on the findings. A regular investigation may be less structured and have a more limited scope.