actual inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a genuine or real investigation or examination into a matter. Example: "The committee conducted an actual inquiry into the allegations of misconduct to ensure transparency and accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The question "How are you?" is an expression of concern, but mourners quickly figure out that it shouldn't be mistaken for an actual inquiry.

The New Yorker

In The New York Times Book Review, Daniel Handler wrote that "Pacific" "gives us the wondrous and engaging stuff of real storytelling, of actual inquiry and investigation into the haunting and jokey puzzles of the world".

The New York Times

Speaking on BBC's Radio 4, she said she didn't want to set out a cut-off date before the actual inquiry, but said the day of the ballot was "very significant" and said people should not be "left in limbo".

The Guardian

But Drury gives us the wondrous and engaging stuff of real storytelling, of actual inquiry and investigation into the haunting and jokey puzzles of the world, at a time when so much literature stops short of invoking something larger or spends so much time touting grand themes that it forgets to make something happen.

The New York Times - Books

"Many of these documents appear to be generated by desktop programs, with little or no actual inquiry into the on-the-ground environmental impacts... .. "It underestimates wetland losses attributable to OCS activites.

Huffington Post

Despite initial pledges by top Libyan officials that the events would be investigated, Human Rights Watch has not seen any evidence that any actual inquiry is under way or has been carried out.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

PPL Montana argues that evidence of present-day activities distorts the factual inquiry into actual or suspected historical navigability, and that the Court should not consider modern-era uses and historical reports of dubious accuracy in their determination.

Cornell University

Solomon and Longino differ on where they locate normativity and on the role and effectiveness of deliberative processes in actual scientific inquiry.

SEP

The passion of curiosity, for example, is the actual agent of inquiry.

SEP

Progress occurs in an inquiry when actual truthlikeness increases.

SEP

The best known brahmanical text pertaining to inference is Nyāya-sūtra (Aphorisms on logic) by Gautama, also known as Akṣapāda (c. 2nd century CE), a treatise on rational inquiry, whose actual redaction is thought by some to date to the third century CE.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "actual inquiry", ensure the context clearly distinguishes it from hypothetical or preliminary assessments. Using the phrase implies that a formal process of investigation is or has been undertaken.

Common error

Avoid using "actual inquiry" when simply referring to initial questioning or information gathering. The phrase suggests a deeper, more structured investigation than a casual query.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual inquiry" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "actual" modifies the noun "inquiry". According to Ludwig AI, it signifies a real or genuine investigation. The examples show its use in contexts where distinguishing a formal inquiry from informal questioning is important.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actual inquiry" denotes a real and genuine investigation, distinguishing it from preliminary assessments or hypothetical scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various reputable sources, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While "actual inquiry" isn't exceedingly common, it serves a vital role in emphasizing the legitimacy and depth of an investigative process. Alternatives like "genuine investigation" or "real investigation" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the context. It's important to use the phrase appropriately, ensuring that the situation genuinely involves a formal and structured investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine investigation

Replaces "actual" with "genuine", emphasizing the authenticity and sincerity of the investigation.

real investigation

Substitutes "actual" with "real", highlighting the concrete and factual nature of the investigation.

legitimate inquiry

Replaces "actual" with "legitimate", focusing on the lawfulness and validity of the inquiry.

authentic investigation

Uses "authentic" instead of "actual", stressing the unfeigned and trustworthy character of the investigation.

bona fide inquiry

Employs the Latin term "bona fide", reinforcing the good faith and genuineness of the inquiry.

veritable inquiry

Substitutes "actual" with "veritable", underscoring the truth and reality of the inquiry.

factual investigation

Replaces "inquiry" with "investigation", focusing on uncovering and verifying facts.

concrete examination

Shifts from "inquiry" to "examination", implying a detailed and tangible review.

substantial investigation

Emphasizes the significance and comprehensiveness of the investigation.

tangible inquiry

Highlights the practical and perceivable aspects of the inquiry.

FAQs

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

You can use "actual inquiry" to emphasize that a real and genuine investigation is taking place, such as: "The senator called for an "actual inquiry" into the alleged financial misconduct."

What phrases can I use instead of "actual inquiry"?

Alternatives to "actual inquiry" include "genuine investigation", "real investigation", or "legitimate inquiry". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between an "actual inquiry" and a "preliminary investigation"?

Yes, an "actual inquiry" signifies a formal, in-depth investigation. A preliminary investigation is a less formal initial assessment to determine if a full inquiry is warranted.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "actual inquiry"?

Use "actual inquiry" when you want to emphasize that a formal and genuine investigative process is underway, distinguishing it from mere speculation or initial questioning.