enquiry on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enquiry on" is not commonly used in written English; "enquiry about" or "enquiry into" would be more appropriate.
You can use it when referring to a request for information or investigation, but it's better to use the alternatives for clarity. Example: "I would like to make an enquiry about the recent changes in policy."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This strikes me as a fairly extreme statement and one worthy of further enquiry on my part.

The Guardian - Books

Planners need on the one hand to open up their scope of enquiry, on the other to seek greater local detail.

Conflict and Health

Stewart Gull now had a double murder enquiry on his hands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lib Dem Alex Wilcox: "Cameron promises "committee of enquiry" on electoral reform.

The Guardian

No enquiry on arrival as to whether you might like to go straight to the table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In March, the major media players submitted documents to a Senate enquiry on current media legislation, but the looming election put possible media reform on hold.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He told how when he rang directory enquiries on one occasion the operator asked: "Is that Derek Jameson?" Jameson began life in poverty in London's East End, where he grew up in a children's home.

Independent

Pundits now conduct cautious enquiries on television.

The Guardian - Opinion

Enquiries on the corporate recovery side have doubled from the level of six months ago.

The Guardian - Business

The media relations team receives around 10 enquiries on a typical day.

The Guardian

It was called "Enquiries on the Causes of the Color of the Rhine".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity and wider acceptance, consider using "enquiry about" or "enquiry into" instead of "enquiry on" in formal writing. This improves readability and avoids potential misinterpretations.

Common error

While "enquiry on" is not strictly incorrect, relying on it too heavily in formal documents can make your writing sound unnatural. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "enquiry about" or "investigation into" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enquiry on" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to denote the act of seeking information or initiating a formal investigation. Ludwig shows that while present, its usage is less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enquiry on" is used to describe the act of requesting information or starting an investigation. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI highlights that it is less common and often less preferred than options such as "enquiry about" or "enquiry into", particularly in formal contexts. Usage data suggests that "enquiry on" appears mainly in News & Media and Science, which means to maintain clarity and professionalism, writers should consider opting for alternatives. Though the phrase is understandable, selecting a more standard phrasing may improve the overall impact and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquiry about

Replaces "enquiry on" with a more common and standard preposition.

investigation into

Shifts the focus to a more formal and in-depth examination.

request for information on

Emphasizes the act of seeking specific details.

probe into

Implies a more thorough and potentially sensitive examination.

exploration of

Suggests a broader and less structured investigation.

examination of

Indicates a formal and detailed inspection.

study of

Highlights an academic and systematic analysis.

assessment of

Focuses on evaluating or judging something.

fact-finding mission regarding

Emphasizes the process of gathering information.

survey concerning

Implies a broad collection of data from a sample population.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "enquiry on" in a sentence?

While grammatically acceptable, "enquiry on" is less common than alternatives. A better approach is to use "enquiry about" or "enquiry into". For example, instead of "I made an enquiry on the matter", try "I made an "enquiry about" the matter" or "I launched an "enquiry into" the matter".

What are some alternatives to using "enquiry on"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "inquiry about", "investigation into", or "request for information on" to express a similar meaning.

Is "enquiry on" grammatically correct, or are there better options?

The phrase "enquiry on" is not incorrect, but it's less preferred than ""enquiry about"" or ""enquiry into"". The latter options are generally considered more standard and clearer.

When is it appropriate to use "enquiry on"?

While usable, "enquiry on" may be suitable in informal contexts. However, for professional or academic writing, opt for more common and accepted phrases such as ""enquiry about"" or "investigation regarding".