a previous inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a previous inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an earlier question or request for information that has been made. Example: "In response to a previous inquiry about our services, I would like to provide you with more detailed information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A previous inquiry launched in 1970, with a special Scotland Yard task team, was "terminated" by the incoming Tory government.

The Guardian

The commissioner is also highly critical of MI6's response to his investigation and a previous inquiry by the intelligence and security committee, calling it wholly inadequate.

The Guardian

It will focus on accusations that a previous inquiry, which sat between 1996 and 2000, only uncovered a fraction of the abuse.

Independent

A previous inquiry, concluded in 2000, resulted in a code of conduct encouraging the big supermarkets to be kinder to their suppliers.

The Economist

The NHS regulator at the time of the scandal, the Healthcare Commission, estimated that between 400 and 1,200 patients may have died because of what a previous inquiry called "appalling" care at Stafford hospital between 2005 and 2008.

The Guardian

The Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority said a review of staff conduct before the £47bn of losses that came to light in 2008 would go beyond the top bosses identified in a previous inquiry.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Having checked the archive records there is no trace of any pocket notebooks being recovered by any previous inquiry or the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

Independent

It is already pursuing 13 different investigations (and is likely to conduct many more before it has finished) as well as a review of all previous inquiries to consider lessons learned and a truth commission to bear witness to survivors' experiences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Launched after a Healthcare Commission report published last year, the previous inquiry revealed a series of failings at the trust, which also runs Cannock Chase hospital.

The Guardian

Richard Scorer, a solicitor who represented 30 victims at the Waterhouse Inquiry, said the previous inquiry had done a "thorough job" of looking into "what it set out to investigate".

BBC

One Operation Elveden officer is under investigation over failure of duty allegations relating to a previous police inquiry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "a previous inquiry", clearly state the subject or scope of the inquiry to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience knows which inquiry you're referencing. Always provide enough context or a brief description to ensure clarity and prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a previous inquiry" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often referring to a report, investigation, or examination. It indicates that the inquiry occurred at an earlier time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a previous inquiry" is a phrase used to refer to an earlier investigation or examination, often to provide context or historical background. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, formal, and business settings. When using this phrase, it's best practice to specify the subject of the inquiry to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a prior investigation" or "an earlier probe".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prior investigation

Replaces "inquiry" with "investigation" and "previous" with "prior", implying a formal examination conducted before.

an earlier probe

Substitutes "inquiry" with "probe" suggesting a thorough investigation from an earlier time.

a past examination

Replaces "inquiry" with "examination", referring to a formal inspection that occurred in the past.

a preliminary assessment

Uses "assessment" instead of "inquiry", indicating an initial evaluation that was conducted beforehand.

a preceding investigation

Replaces "previous" with "preceding", emphasizing the chronological order of the investigation.

a former review

Substitutes "inquiry" with "review", indicating a formal assessment that took place earlier.

a foregoing inquiry

Replaces "previous" with "foregoing", which is a more formal way to indicate something that comes before.

a historical investigation

Uses "historical" to highlight that the investigation occurred in the past, differing slightly from the more immediate implication of "previous".

an earlier inquest

Substitutes "inquiry" with "inquest", suggesting a more formal and legal investigation conducted earlier.

a retrospective review

Replaces "previous inquiry" with "retrospective review" suggesting a review that look back on past events.

FAQs

How can I use "a previous inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "a previous inquiry" to refer to an earlier investigation or examination. For example, "The new evidence contradicts the findings of "a previous inquiry"."

What are some alternatives to "a previous inquiry"?

Some alternatives include "a prior investigation", "an earlier probe", or "a past examination", depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify the subject of "a previous inquiry"?

Yes, it is often helpful to specify the subject or scope of ""a previous inquiry"" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. This ensures that your audience understands which inquiry you are referring to.

What's the difference between "a previous inquiry" and "a subsequent inquiry"?

"A previous inquiry" refers to an investigation that occurred earlier, while "a subsequent inquiry" refers to one that occurs later. They are opposite in terms of time sequence.