begin an enquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"begin an enquiry" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when initiating an investigation or seeking information on a particular subject. Example: "We will begin an enquiry into the recent events." Alternative expressions include "initiate an investigation" and "start an inquiry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Kennedy threatens to go to the press if Meyer is not investigated, so the hospital Board begin an enquiry, during which Meyer is suspended.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In November 2012, the Public Accounts Committee began an enquiry into tax avoidance, following public outcry that companies had avoided nearly £900m of tax.

The Guardian

In a thinly veiled reference to the financial difficulties faced by Greece, the leaders also called on the European Commission to begin "a thorough enquiry on the role and the impact of speculative behavior" on credit default swaps and bonds issued by European states.

The New York Times

Gascoyne at once began a private enquiry and wrote to the Anglican minister at Abbotsville, James Harris.

Wikipedia

Lunar Surface begins a new line of enquiry for drawing into the air for studio Kimchi and Chips, forming artistic collaborations between technology and nature.

Vice

Sussex Police is still investigating the allegations and said: "Enquiries ongoing and no significant developments to report at present". Meanwhile, accounting firm Moore Stephens has begun an audit of finances at Brook House and Tinsley House - another G4S-run immigration removal centre near Gatwick.

BBC

Following the incident, an enquiry began and security at all RAF stations was reviewed.

Wikipedia

"The FA will now begin making enquiries into the matter".

BBC

It added: "The FA will now begin making enquiries into the matter".

BBC

Following the publication, the Historical Enquiries Team, and more recently PSNI detectives in Serious Crime Branch, began a review of the case.

BBC

In a brief statement the FA said it "will now begin to make enquiries into this matter", adding: "The FA takes seriously any allegations of discrimination and abuse of this type".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin an enquiry" when formally initiating an investigation or fact-finding process, especially in professional or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "begin an enquiry" in casual conversations; opt for simpler terms like "look into" or "check".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin an enquiry" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an investigation or formal questioning. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's often used when detailing the start of a formal process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin an enquiry" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the initiation of a formal investigation or fact-finding process. According to Ludwig, while its usage is not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, notably in news, wiki and scientific articles. The analysis indicates the phrase holds a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for formal reports, legal discussions, and professional communications. Related phrases include "start an investigation" and "launch an inquiry", which can be used as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. In summary, while the expression is correct, ensure its use aligns with the formality of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start an investigation

This alternative uses "start" instead of "begin" and "investigation" instead of "enquiry", maintaining the core meaning of initiating a formal examination.

launch an inquiry

Replaces "begin" with "launch" and "enquiry" with "inquiry", suggesting a more formal and public commencement of the investigation.

initiate a probe

Uses "initiate" for "begin" and "probe" for "enquiry", indicating a thorough and often sensitive investigation.

open an inquiry

Uses "open" instead of "begin", suggesting a formal commencement of an inquiry.

commence an audit

This alternative focuses on financial or procedural reviews, substituting "enquiry" with "audit".

undertake an examination

This suggests a detailed and careful review or study, replacing "begin" with "undertake" and "enquiry" with "examination".

set in motion an investigation

This phrase emphasizes the activation or start of an investigation, providing a more descriptive alternative.

establish a commission of inquiry

This is a more formal way to indicate starting an investigation, often involving a dedicated body.

institute proceedings

Implies a legal or formal process is being started to investigate a matter.

conduct a fact-finding mission

This alternative implies that the purpose is to gather facts and information about a specific issue or event.

FAQs

What does "begin an enquiry" mean?

The phrase "begin an enquiry" means to start a formal investigation or fact-finding process to gather information about a particular issue or situation.

How to use "begin an enquiry" in a sentence?

Example: "The hospital board decided to begin an enquiry into the allegations of misconduct."

What can I say instead of "begin an enquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "start an investigation", "launch an inquiry", or "initiate a probe" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "begin an enquiry"?

It is appropriate to use "begin an enquiry" in formal contexts such as official reports, legal proceedings, or professional communications where a formal investigation is being initiated.