a line of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a line of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific approach or method of investigation into a topic or question. Example: "The researchers decided to pursue a line of inquiry that focused on the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which begs a line of inquiry, perhaps?

The New York Times

But that's a line of inquiry for another exhibition.

The New York Times - Arts

But such a line of inquiry can't tell us whether the absence of serotonin causes depression.

The New York Times - Magazine

Boyfriends are a line of inquiry that seem rather beside the point with Adele.

The Guardian - Music

He added: "There is a line of inquiry that everybody agrees is worthwhile pursuing".

The Guardian

Potential obstruction also appears to be a line of inquiry for the special counsel, according to news reports.

The Washington Post

Given that, it's entirely possible there's a line of inquiry that we're completely unaware of or know very little about.

The Washington Post

Freud explored Putnam's sexual feelings for his daughter Molly, a line of inquiry Putnam continued in his self-analysis.

The New York Times

It's a line of inquiry openly borrowed from the avant-garde drummer and homeopath Milford Graves, but Mr. Coleman stamps it clearly with his own style.

The New York Times - Arts

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman told the Telegraph: "I can confirm we are looking into the possibility of a love triangle as a line of inquiry.

Independent

"Greek police are pursuing a line of inquiry centred on the grounds of the property from which Ben disappeared in 1991 aged 21 months.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a line of inquiry", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific focus or direction of the investigation. For example, specify what questions are being asked or what aspects are being examined.

Common error

Do not use "a line of inquiry" without specifying the subject or scope of the inquiry. Instead of saying "The police are pursuing a line of inquiry", specify what aspect of the case they are focusing on, such as "The police are pursuing a line of inquiry focusing on the suspect's financial records".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase describing a particular method, direction, or focus of investigation. Ludwig AI confirms this is used across various contexts as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a line of inquiry" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a specific approach or method of investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly define the focus of the investigation to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a course of investigation" or "an avenue of exploration" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to tailor your choice to the specific context to ensure clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a course of investigation

Replaces "inquiry" with "investigation", emphasizing a more formal and structured exploration.

an avenue of exploration

Substitutes "line of inquiry" with "avenue of exploration", highlighting the exploratory nature of the investigation.

a research direction

Focuses on the direction or path of research, suitable in academic or scientific contexts.

an investigative path

Emphasizes the investigative process and the route taken to uncover information.

a train of investigation

Uses "train" to suggest a connected series of investigative steps.

a method of examination

Replaces "inquiry" with "examination", focusing on the process of scrutinizing something.

a route of exploration

Similar to 'avenue', but emphasizing the pathway or route taken.

a mode of questioning

Highlights the questioning aspect of an inquiry, shifting focus to the methodology.

a field of study

Broader term indicating an area of academic interest and exploration.

a subject for research

Emphasizes that something is being considered as a potential topic of research.

FAQs

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

You can use "a line of inquiry" to describe a particular approach or method of investigation. For example, "The detective decided to pursue "a line of inquiry" that focused on the victim's past relationships".

What is an alternative to saying "a line of inquiry"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "a course of investigation", "an avenue of exploration", or "a research direction", depending on the specific context.

Is "a line of inquiry" formal or informal?

"A line of inquiry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and general discussions.

What's the difference between "a line of inquiry" and "a line of questioning"?

"A line of inquiry" refers to the overall approach or method of investigation, while "a line of questioning" specifically refers to the questions asked during an interview or interrogation. An inquiry can involve more than just questions.