a mode of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mode of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a particular method or approach to investigating a subject or question. Example: "In her research, she adopted a mode of inquiry that emphasized qualitative analysis over quantitative data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Doctrine, as a mode of pedagogy, is conservative of its tradition; as a mode of inquiry, it may be innovative, generating new insights that alter the rhetoric of conventional teaching and, sometimes, its substance as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So the purpose of this evening's event is to see if we can find a mode of inquiry into religion, faith, belief and non-belief, more consistent with William than with Jesse James.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ethnomethodology is a mode of inquiry devoted to studying the practical methods of common sense reasoning used by members of society in the conduct of everyday life.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Previous studies have shown that middle school and elementary children can successfully use programming as a mode of inquiry to develop models of scientific phenomena, which in turn helps them develop a deep understanding of the relevant scientific concepts (diSessa et al. 1991; Sengupta & Farris 2012).

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

For instance, respondents over the age of 40 were less likely to think ACASI was easy to use, which might explain why they were also less likely to prefer ACASI as a mode of inquiry.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Such interaction will provide the basis for determining how the functions of the new form of political organization will be limited and expanded, the scope of which is "something to be critically and experimentally determined" in democracy as a mode of practical inquiry (Dewey 1927b, 281).

SEP

In the early dialogues, Socrates seeks these ethical universals through a distinctive mode of inquiry, the 'elenchus' (see Vlastos 1992; Kraut 1983).

SEP

Empirical ethics is also emerging as a respected mode of inquiry in social science.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

This study is characteristic of an emerging mode of inquiry in the political and social sciences, whereby large-scale behavioral data are aggregated and analyzed to shed quantitative light on questions whose scale was previously considered outside the realm of tractable analysis [37].

EPJ Data Science

For the proportion of qualitative research to continue to increase in the medical literature, more journals would need to clearly indicate that this methodology is an acceptable mode of inquiry, by providing specific reference and guidelines to authors pertaining to qualitative research.

Plosone

And it is also an illustration of the fact that science does not foreclose possibility, including discoveries that overturn very fundamental assumptions, and that it is not a final statement about reality but a highly fruitful mode of inquiry into it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mode of inquiry", ensure the context clearly defines the specific method or approach being discussed. Providing examples or further explanation can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a mode of inquiry" when a more specific term like "experiment", "survey", or "case study" would provide a clearer understanding of the research method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mode of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It refers to a particular method, approach, or system used to investigate a subject or question, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mode of inquiry" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a specific method or approach to investigation. While considered formal, its use is infrequent, with primary contexts being science, news, and encyclopedias. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its usage. Alternative phrases such as ""a method of investigation"" and ""an approach to research"" can be used depending on the desired level of specificity. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the method to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a method of investigation

Replaces "mode" with "method" and "inquiry" with "investigation", focusing on the systematic process of exploring a topic.

an approach to research

Substitutes "mode of inquiry" with "approach to research", emphasizing the specific perspective or strategy used in studying a subject.

a system of investigation

Replaces "mode" with "system", highlighting the structured and organized nature of the investigative process.

a line of investigation

Uses "line of investigation" to refer to a specific direction or path taken during research, implying a more focused approach.

a means of exploration

Replaces "inquiry" with "exploration", suggesting a more open-ended and less structured approach to discovering information.

a framework for analysis

Focuses on the analytical structure used in the investigation, highlighting the principles and guidelines employed.

a strategy for discovery

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of the inquiry process, focusing on how information is uncovered.

an avenue for research

Uses "avenue" to suggest a path or route for conducting research, implying a specific direction or area of focus.

a perspective on questioning

Shifts the focus to the questioning aspect of inquiry, emphasizing the particular viewpoint or lens through which questions are formulated and addressed.

a philosophical method

Specific alternative that indicates a philosophical approach to the investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mode of inquiry" to describe a specific approach or method used to investigate a topic. For example, "Qualitative research is used as "a mode of inquiry" for this research study."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a method of investigation", "an approach to research", or "a system of investigation".

Is "a mode of inquiry" formal or informal language?

"A mode of inquiry" is generally considered formal language, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. In more casual settings, simpler terms might be preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "a mode of inquiry" instead of "research method"?

"A mode of inquiry" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the broader philosophical or methodological approach, while "research method" is more specific, referring to the particular techniques used. They can be used as synonyms most of the times.