a serious inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a formal or earnest investigation or questioning about a particular subject. Example: "The committee launched a serious inquiry into the allegations of misconduct within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It was both a private joke and a serious inquiry.

The New Yorker

Republican senators not only reject such a serious inquiry but also actively impede it.

The Washington Post

He was going to teach instead, as well as launch "a serious inquiry into painting".

The Guardian - Arts

That office conducted what the diocese had never been able to muster, a serious inquiry.

The New York Times

Russia never conducted a serious inquiry into the shelling, the court found.

The New York Times

That's the danger in this book: a serious inquiry won't stand a chance of getting much attention now.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

On the contrary, he said, the government had orchestrated a campaign to halt any serious inquiry of the killings, rapes, and persecution of unarmed civilians.

The New York Times

Billon Loo, senior sales executive at the store, said he had received a "very serious inquiry" from a Malaysian client about a huge, light-pink diamond necklace mounted with multicolored diamonds, priced at 29.7 million dollars.

The New York Times

The hearings into Troopergate, a Republican sideshow to a more serious inquiry by the Commission on Public Integrity, provides still more evidence of how far legislators will go to keep their operations secret.

The New York Times

"Fiona Woolf caused unnecessary distress to victims of child abuse and caused a lengthy and avoidable delay to a very serious inquiry that urgently needs to get started.

The Guardian

He said: "Fiona Woolf misled the home secretary over her links with Leon Brittan, caused unnecessary distress to victims of child abuse and caused a lengthy and avoidable delay to a very serious inquiry that urgently needs to get started.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious inquiry", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject matter and the importance of the investigation. For example, "The government launched "a serious inquiry" into the alleged financial misconduct."

Common error

Avoid using "serious" indiscriminately. Ensure that the inquiry genuinely warrants the descriptor by having significant implications or requiring thorough investigation. Otherwise, consider a more neutral term like "inquiry" or "investigation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious inquiry" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts to describe a formal investigation or examination of a particular issue. It emphasizes the importance and depth of the investigation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious inquiry" is a commonly used phrase to denote a formal and important investigation. Ludwig AI shows that it functions as a noun phrase and is typically used in neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media, and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the inquiry warrants the descriptor "serious" by having significant implications or requiring thorough investigation. Consider related phrases like "a rigorous investigation" or "a thorough examination" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rigorous investigation

Emphasizes the thoroughness and strictness of the investigation.

a thorough examination

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the review or study.

an in-depth probe

Suggests a deep and detailed investigation.

a comprehensive investigation

Focuses on the broad scope and coverage of the investigation.

a formal investigation

Indicates that the inquiry is officially sanctioned and structured.

a detailed investigation

Highlights the attention to detail in the inquiry.

a painstaking inquiry

Emphasizes the care and effort involved in the inquiry.

a fact-finding mission

Suggests an inquiry focused on discovering the truth.

a judicial review

Implies a formal review conducted by a court or legal body.

an impartial investigation

Highlights the unbiased nature of the inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious inquiry" to describe a formal or earnest investigation. For example, "The allegations prompted "a serious inquiry" by the authorities."

What are some alternatives to "a serious inquiry"?

Alternatives include "a rigorous investigation", "a thorough examination", or "an in-depth probe", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a serious inquiry"?

Use "a serious inquiry" when the investigation is of significant importance and requires a thorough and earnest examination of the facts. It is suitable when the matter under investigation has potentially serious consequences.

What differentiates "a serious inquiry" from a simple investigation?

"A serious inquiry" implies a greater level of importance, depth, and potential consequences compared to a general investigation. It suggests a more formal and thorough process with significant implications.