a profound inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a deep or significant investigation or question into a particular subject or topic. Example: "The scientist embarked on a profound inquiry into the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What he gives us is a profound inquiry into the human desire for truth and meaning, and a journey along the different paths of religion and science that become part of that quest.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a profound question.

The New York Times

Moore: That's a profound question.

The New Yorker

Gaskill had begun his production in a spirit of profound inquiry, using improvisation, exercises and masks to explore scenes and situations, some of them not immediately relevant to the play he was rehearsing.

The Guardian - Books

It does not matter where you go, Mr. Osborne argues in "The Naked Tourist," a biting, highly amusing and occasionally profound inquiry into travel and its discontents.

The New York Times - Books

It describes the inquiry as a "profound intrusion of privacy" and a serious threat to democracies around the globe.

The New York Times

This "community of inquiry" has a profound impact on learning outcomes and satisfaction [ 14, 15].

BMC Medical Education

"It is clear that a profound investigation must be done on this matter," he said, "and I will ensure that we conduct the inquiry so we see whether all the rules were respected".

The New York Times

"It is clear that a profound investigation must be done on this matter," Mr. Rehn said, "and I will ensure that we conduct the inquiry so we see whether all the rules were respected".

The New York Times

A profound stillness descends.

The New Yorker

What a profound loss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a profound inquiry" when you want to emphasize the depth and significance of an investigation or question. It is especially suitable for academic, scientific, or philosophical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound inquiry" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "inquiry". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as a descriptor for deep investigations. This construction highlights the depth and significance of the inquiry.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a profound inquiry" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an investigation or question of significant depth and importance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a formal register. When using this phrase, consider its serious tone and ensure it fits the formality of your writing. Alternatives include "a deep investigation" and "a thorough examination", which can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep investigation

Replaces 'profound' with 'deep', emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigation.

a thorough examination

Replaces both 'profound' and 'inquiry' with synonyms that highlight the detailed nature of the analysis.

a significant investigation

Substitutes 'profound' with 'significant' to stress the importance of the inquiry.

an in-depth study

Replaces 'inquiry' with 'study' and 'profound' with 'in-depth', focusing on a comprehensive analysis.

a critical analysis

Highlights the evaluative and judgmental nature of the inquiry.

a serious exploration

Emphasizes the gravity and exploratory aspect of the inquiry.

an intensive probe

Uses 'probe' to convey a detailed and focused investigation.

a far-reaching examination

Stresses the comprehensive scope of the investigation.

a groundbreaking study

Highlights the innovative and impactful nature of the research.

a rigorous assessment

Focuses on the strict and methodical nature of the evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a profound inquiry" to describe a deep and significant investigation. For example, "The scientist embarked on "a profound inquiry" into the origins of the universe".

What are some alternatives to "a profound inquiry"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a deep investigation", "a thorough examination", or "a significant investigation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a profound inquiry" suitable for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "a profound inquiry" is best suited for formal writing, such as academic papers, research reports, or serious journalistic pieces. Using it in informal contexts may sound overly formal.

What makes an inquiry "profound"?

An inquiry is considered "profound" when it delves into fundamental questions, explores complex issues, and offers deep insights that significantly advance understanding in a particular field.