external inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"external inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a formal investigation or inquiry conducted by an outside source. For example: The company hired an external inquiry to conduct a full investigation into the alleged misconduct.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Now he faces what will be a gruelling external inquiry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jenkin is an enthusiastic advocate of a bipartisan external inquiry into the civil service, preferably a parliamentary commission.

The Guardian

However, Edward Flaherty, a lawyer who specialises in international litigation, said the claims should be subject to an external inquiry.

The Guardian

On Wednesday, as the row over the scandal continued, Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesman for the UN chief, announced there would be an external inquiry into the whole affair.

The Guardian

Newsnight's own resources were further weakened because its reporter with the most hands-on investigative experience, Meirion Jones, was sidelined while he prepared his testimony to an external inquiry about why his own, completely accurate, Savile investigation had been suppressed.

The Guardian

Pugh said demand for passports so far this year had been half a million higher than forecast, and an external inquiry had been ordered into the failure of the forecasting methods.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Many white-shoe firms generate outsize billable hours paid by client companies that are having to address a multitude of internal and external inquiries.

The New York Times

Key, which is based in Midland, Tex., missed reporting deadlines because of internal and external inquiries that began after auditors said employees, who have since been fired, misappropriated funds and misrepresented the value of a business the company bought.

The New York Times

It has withheld internal reports and stonewalled external inquiries, while clinging to the fiction that the abuse was confined to isolated acts, like the sadistic behavior of one night crew in one cellblock at Abu Ghraib.

The New York Times

Responding to Ms Harman, the Speaker said that the accountability of a minister to the House was not diluted by external inquiries.

BBC

Blowing the whistle frequently creates significant disruption within an organization it may lose control of its affairs as it is subjected to external inquiries and constraints; it may find itself crippled by costs or other restrictions; and many within it who are little more than innocent bystanders may suffer from the repercussions of an externally mounted investigation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "external inquiry" when you want to emphasize the impartiality and objectivity of the investigative process.

Common error

Avoid using "external inquiry" interchangeably with internal reviews. An internal review is conducted by individuals within the organization, while an "external inquiry" involves an outside entity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a formal investigation conducted by an independent body, as evidenced by Ludwig examples involving the BBC and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "external inquiry" is a noun phrase that signifies an investigation conducted by an independent third party, typically to ensure impartiality and thoroughness. Ludwig shows that it is most commonly used in news and media, science, and academic contexts, carrying a neutral to professional register. The phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When employing "external inquiry", clarity and transparency are key to maintaining the credibility of the process. Consider alternatives like "independent investigation" or "outside investigation" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

independent investigation

Focuses on the independence of the investigation rather than its external nature.

outside investigation

Uses 'outside' as a synonym for 'external'.

independent audit

Specifies the type of inquiry as an audit and emphasizes its independent nature.

external audit

Uses 'audit' which implies a financial aspect.

independent review

Specifies the process as a review and highlights the independence of the process.

third-party investigation

Emphasizes that the investigation is conducted by a neutral third party.

independent fact-finding mission

Highlights the objective of discovering facts through an independent mission.

external assessment

Replaces 'inquiry' with 'assessment', implying a formal evaluation.

commissioned investigation

Focuses on the fact that the investigation was formally commissioned.

formal investigation by an outside body

Explains the meaning of "external inquiry" with a longer phrase.

FAQs

How is an "external inquiry" different from an internal review?

An "external inquiry" involves an investigation conducted by an independent third party, whereas an internal review is carried out by members of the organization itself.

When is it appropriate to call for an "external inquiry"?

An "external inquiry" is typically initiated when there are serious allegations, potential conflicts of interest, or a need for an unbiased assessment of a situation.

What are some alternatives to saying "external inquiry"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "independent investigation", "outside investigation", or "independent review".

What role does transparency play in an "external inquiry"?

Transparency is crucial for maintaining the credibility of an "external inquiry". The process and findings should be communicated openly and honestly to all stakeholders.