a preliminary inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary inquiry" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a process of investigating or examining a situation or issue in order to inform a decision or opinion. For example: "The police conducted a preliminary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the robbery before making any arrests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The House has said it will begin a "preliminary inquiry".

The New York Times

Also, it cannot even do a preliminary inquiry against higher echelons of government without permission.

The New York Times

That agent, who has not been identified, helped get a preliminary inquiry started.

The New York Times

The public prosecutor this week opened a preliminary inquiry into Mr Bourgi's charges.

The Economist

The Queens and Brooklyn district attorneys' offices are also conducting a preliminary inquiry.

The New York Times

It will decide by 25 July whether to launch a preliminary inquiry.

The Guardian - Business

Under its rules, the Senate Ethics Committee will open a preliminary inquiry into the matter.

The New York Times

He declined to identify himself, saying it was just a "preliminary" inquiry.

The Guardian - Opinion

The nation's anticorruption commission has begun a preliminary inquiry into how the scholarships were awarded.

The New York Times

The Paris prosecutor's office has opened a preliminary inquiry into the legal action.

The Guardian

Two weeks after the STAP papers were published, Riken opened a preliminary inquiry.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on legal or official proceedings, use "a preliminary inquiry" to accurately describe the initial stage of investigation before formal charges or actions are taken.

Common error

Avoid using "a preliminary inquiry" interchangeably with terms like "formal investigation" or "full investigation". "A preliminary inquiry" suggests an initial assessment, while the others imply a more thorough and extensive process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or process, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary inquiry" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes an initial investigation or assessment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s common in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. While seemingly straightforward, it's crucial to distinguish it from more extensive investigations. To avoid confusion, consider related phrases like "an initial investigation" or "a fact-finding mission" for subtle variations in meaning. Correct usage involves recognizing its purpose as a precursor to more detailed inquiries, particularly in legal and official settings. This ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an initial investigation

Focuses on the investigative aspect, emphasizing the beginning stage.

a preliminary assessment

Focuses on evaluating the situation or issue at hand.

an opening probe

Uses the term "probe" to suggest a more in-depth investigation.

a fact-finding mission

Highlights the purpose of gathering information and determining the facts.

a threshold review

Indicates that the review is intended to determine if further action is warranted.

a precursory examination

Highlights the brief and initial character of the examination.

an exploratory study

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the investigation, suggesting a broader scope.

a scoping exercise

Highlights the process of defining the scope and boundaries of the issue.

a superficial investigation

Suggests a less detailed approach, but maintains the investigative aspect.

a reconnaissance mission

Implies gathering preliminary information often in more covert settings.

FAQs

What does "a preliminary inquiry" mean?

A "preliminary inquiry" is an initial examination or investigation into a matter, typically conducted to gather basic facts and determine if further action is warranted. It's a fact-finding exercise before a formal investigation is launched.

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

A "preliminary inquiry" is less extensive and serves to determine whether a full investigation is necessary. A formal investigation is a more detailed and comprehensive examination, often involving legal or disciplinary processes.

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

Use "a preliminary inquiry" when describing the early stages of an investigation, particularly in legal, governmental, or organizational contexts. It's fitting when the purpose is to gather initial information and assess the situation, before deciding on further steps.

What are some alternatives to "a preliminary inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "an initial investigation", "a fact-finding mission", or "a preliminary assessment" depending on the context.