as an inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something is being done in the form of a question or investigation. Example: "I am reaching out to you as an inquiry about the status of my application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rarely was there so much as an inquiry.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It could have been, 'Princeton should be poorer,' but she opens it as an inquiry.

The New York Times

Even the Met does not describe it as an inquiry or investigation, merely a review.

The Guardian

Joan" as an inquiry into institutional religion's power to combat economic and social injustice.

The New York Times

The latest book started as an inquiry into the nature of faith.

The New York Times - Style

With this in mind, much in the show fails to qualify as an inquiry or investigation.

The New York Times

Philosophers normally treat this question as a conceptual one i.e., as an inquiry into a certain concept or idea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The incident sparked more chaos in the town as well as an inquiry by the Interior Ministry.

The New York Times

Philosophers normally treat the question as a conceptual one i.e., as an inquiry into a certain concept or idea.

Britannica

Her work, which she describes in overview as "an inquiry into life and death", has a strongly narrative character.

The Guardian

As well as an inquiry, a statutory code of practice was required to eradicate blacklisting, the committee said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an inquiry", ensure that the context clearly indicates an exploratory or investigative process. This phrase is effective for framing a discussion or action as a search for understanding or information.

Common error

Avoid using "as an inquiry" when you're making a direct statement rather than posing a question or initiating an investigation. The phrase implies a search for knowledge, not a declaration of fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an inquiry" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the manner or purpose of an action, framing it within the context of investigation or questioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an inquiry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that frames actions or discussions as exploratory or investigative. Ludwig AI confirms this, and numerous examples demonstrate its widespread use in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an intent to learn or investigate, and be mindful of its relatively formal tone. While alternatives exist, "as an inquiry" provides a distinct emphasis on the investigative nature of the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the form of an inquiry

Emphasizes the structure or format of the investigation.

by way of investigation

Highlights the method or process being used.

under the guise of an inquiry

Suggests a concealed or deceptive investigation.

functioning as an investigation

Focuses on the role or purpose that something serves.

presented as an inquiry

Highlights how something is framed or portrayed.

styled as an inquiry

Focuses on the format.

acting as an inquiry

Emphasizes the action that something takes

posed as a question

Highlights the questioning nature of the exploration.

structured as an investigation

Emphasizes the presence of a formal structure.

serving as an investigation

Focuses on the utility or purpose that something serves.

FAQs

How can I use "as an inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "as an inquiry" to frame a discussion or action as an investigative process. For instance, "The project began "as an inquiry into" the causes of the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "as an inquiry"?

Alternatives include "in the form of an inquiry", "by way of investigation", or "in the course of an investigation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "as an inquiry"?

It is appropriate to use "as an inquiry" when you want to emphasize that something is being done to explore or investigate a topic or issue, indicating a search for understanding or information.

How does "as an inquiry" differ from "as an investigation"?

"As an inquiry" often implies a more open-ended or exploratory approach, while "as an investigation" suggests a more structured and formal process aimed at uncovering specific facts or evidence.