area of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"area of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the subject or field of research which someone is studying or exploring. For example, "The professor's area of inquiry is the effects of global warming on sea level rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Another area of inquiry could be expense-account fraud.

The New York Times

One is evolutionary theory, an area of inquiry that Yusuf has little use for.

The New Yorker

This is an important area of inquiry and the reasons are likely complex.

The New York Times

Another area of inquiry is off-balance-sheet financings, Mr. Mahoney said.

The New York Times

Now comes a new area of inquiry, just as St. John's soars into the N.C.A.A. tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

The third planned area of inquiry involves Obama's response to the hacking.

The New Yorker

Another area of inquiry is whether the company also provided free cellphones to lawmakers, officials said.

The New York Times

It is becoming a vocation and a mainstream area of inquiry.

The New York Times

Another promising area of inquiry has to do with the smells emitted by rotting corpses.

The New York Times - Magazine

What matters, in other words, is improving understanding of the whole rather than advancing a single area of inquiry.

The Guardian

Metaphysics is the area of inquiry that Aristotle himself calls "first philosophy" and which comes before anything else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "area of inquiry" make sure that the context is not too informal, as alternatives like "field of study" or "topic of research" might be more adequate.

Common error

Avoid using "area of inquiry" in casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "topic" or "subject" are often more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "area of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a subject or field of research being studied or explored.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "area of inquiry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily found in formal contexts such as science, news media, and encyclopedias. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively denotes a specific subject or field under investigation. While highly suitable for academic and professional writing, it may sound out of place in informal conversation. Alternatives like "field of study" or "topic of research" can be used depending on the specific nuance you're trying to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Field of study

This alternative is a more general term that refers to a specific branch of knowledge or academic discipline.

Focus of study

This alternative highlights the central point or theme being examined or studied.

Subject of investigation

This alternative highlights the act of investigating a particular topic or issue.

Topic of research

This alternative focuses on the research aspect, emphasizing the systematic investigation into a specific area.

Discipline of study

This alternative refers to a specific academic or professional field with established methods and standards.

Scope of analysis

This alternative suggests a more focused and analytical approach to a specific subject.

Line of research

This alternative suggests a specific direction or path within a broader research field.

Domain of exploration

This alternative implies a broader and more exploratory approach to a particular field.

Realm of investigation

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the investigative nature of the inquiry.

Matter of inquiry

This alternative is a more formal and somewhat archaic way to refer to a subject being investigated.

FAQs

How can I use "area of inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "area of inquiry" to refer to a specific field of study or subject being investigated. For example, "His main "area of inquiry" is the impact of social media on political campaigns."

What are some alternatives to "area of inquiry"?

Some alternatives to "area of inquiry" include "field of study", "subject of investigation", or "topic of research". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "area of inquiry" formal or informal?

"Area of inquiry" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. In more casual contexts, simpler terms may be preferable.

What's the difference between "area of inquiry" and "field of study"?

While both phrases refer to a specific subject, ""area of inquiry"" often implies a more specific or focused investigation, while "field of study" refers to a broader academic discipline.