casual inquiries

USAGE SUMMARY

"casual inquiries" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a kind of inquiry that is not to be taken too seriously or is made without a lot of effort. For example, "I made some casual inquiries about the job opening but didn't get any response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was while touring Sweden, Finland and Russia with that chorus in the summer of 1998 that their conversation ventured beyond casual inquiries about each other's children.

The New York Times - Style

Auto agencies are setting up counters in new places in Eastern Europe almost every day, anticipating the moment when those casual inquiries turn into Americans who want go see for themselves.

The New York Times - Travel

Consequently, Guesswork co-founder Boobesh Ramalingam estimates that more than 90% of these responses are "casual inquiries". The goal of an efficient sales force is to identify the 10% or less of these inquiries that are serious prospects and give them personal attention.

Forbes

Whatever one's path, it is a private decision that should generally not be the subject of casual inquiries ("Have you had bottom surgery yet?").

Huffington Post

You don't want to appear desperate; let the companies you deal with know that you are making casual inquiries.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It nurses its mysteries like grievances against casual inquiry.

The Guardian - Books

Goode had sent him away when this deal suddenly started to come together, after a casual inquiry.

The New Yorker

First the casual inquiry, one parent to another: Did you take any money out of my wallet?

The New York Times - Health

I make a further discovery when a casual inquiry about Nuttall prompts a bizarre exchange between two volunteers.

The Guardian

Here in Blagoveschensk, it is not hard to find bear paws for sale; a casual inquiry at a meat counter can make the connection.

The New York Times

Then there was Mr. Henry's casual inquiry into whether the city would be willing to double the assessment of the five-acre property, to nearly $12 million.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "casual inquiries", consider the context and ensure that the tone aligns with the level of formality required. This phrase is best suited for situations where a light or informal investigation is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "casual inquiries" when a more thorough or formal investigation is needed. The term implies a lack of depth, which can be inappropriate in sensitive or critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual inquiries" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "casual" modifies the noun "inquiries", describing the nature or type of inquiries being made. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casual inquiries" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an informal or preliminary information-gathering process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not a particularly frequent expression, it finds its place in news, media, and academic contexts. When using "casual inquiries", consider the context and intended level of formality, and be mindful not to employ it in situations demanding thorough investigations. Alternatives like "informal inquiries" or "preliminary inquiries" may offer subtle shifts in meaning to better suit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informal inquiries

Replaces "casual" with "informal", suggesting a relaxed and unofficial nature.

preliminary inquiries

Indicates that the inquiries are at an early stage and not yet in-depth.

initial inquiries

Focuses on the inquiries being the first ones made.

routine inquiries

Suggests that the inquiries are a standard part of a process.

general inquiries

Emphasizes the broad and non-specific nature of the inquiries.

cursory inquiries

Implies that the inquiries are brief and not very thorough.

offhand inquiries

Suggests that the inquiries were made without much thought or seriousness.

superficial inquiries

Highlights the lack of depth in the inquiries.

perfunctory inquiries

Implies that the inquiries were carried out as a matter of form, without real interest or effort.

unsolicited inquiries

Indicates that the inquiries were not requested or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "casual inquiries" in a sentence?

You might say, "After making some "casual inquiries", I learned that the project was already underway" or "The detective made a few "casual inquiries" around the neighborhood to gather initial information".

What is a synonym for "casual inquiries"?

Alternatives include "informal inquiries", "preliminary inquiries", or "routine inquiries", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "casual inquiries" versus "formal investigation"?

"Casual inquiries" are suitable for preliminary information gathering or situations where a full investigation isn't warranted. A "formal investigation", on the other hand, is necessary when serious issues are at stake and require a thorough and structured approach.

What does it mean to make "casual inquiries"?

To make "casual inquiries" means to ask questions or seek information in an informal, relaxed, and non-committal manner. It implies a light approach, not a deep dive.