formal inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a structured or official investigation or questioning process, often in academic, legal, or professional contexts. Example: "The committee conducted a formal inquiry into the allegations of misconduct within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A formal inquiry may follow.

The Economist

But it is unclear if a formal inquiry has begun.

The New York Times

The commission began a formal inquiry into their procurement practices.

The New York Times

Chairwoman Deborah P. Majoras blocked a formal inquiry for months.

The New York Times

The Foreign Relations Committee began a formal inquiry.

The New York Times

And that was the conclusion of the third and most recent formal inquiry into Bose's death.

The New Yorker

The official said the investigation was not yet a formal inquiry.

The New York Times

"It would be wrong to anticipate the outcome of Mr Enzor's formal inquiry.

The Guardian

On Feb. 6, the House voted, 410 to 4, to begin the formal inquiry.

The New York Times

On Dec. 12, Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, endorsed a formal inquiry into the allegations.

The New York Times

A simple majority vote in the full House can launch a formal inquiry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formal inquiry", ensure the context involves an official or structured investigation, such as one initiated by a government body or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "formal inquiry" when referring to casual or preliminary investigations. Instead, opt for terms like "review" or "assessment" for less structured processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a verb. It denotes a specific type of investigation that is structured and official. Examples from Ludwig, such as "A formal inquiry may follow" and "The commission began a formal inquiry", illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal inquiry" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe structured and official investigations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, formal business, and science contexts. The phrase denotes an official examination of an event or situation, often initiated by an organization or government body. While alternatives like "official investigation" and "structured investigation" exist, it's important to reserve "formal inquiry" for contexts involving established procedures and evidence collection. The phrase enjoys high source quality and expert ratings, reflecting its consistent and appropriate usage across various authoritative platforms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official investigation

Replaces "inquiry" with a more direct term for investigation and "formal" with "official".

structured investigation

Emphasizes the structured nature of the investigation, keeping "investigation" as a key element.

official probe

Uses "probe" as a synonym for "inquiry", maintaining the official tone.

structured probe

Emphasizes the structured nature of the probe.

official examination

Replaces "inquiry" with "examination", focusing on a detailed review.

detailed investigation

Highlights the depth and thoroughness of the investigation.

systematic investigation

Stresses the methodical approach of the investigation.

thorough examination

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the examination.

in-depth review

Offers a more concise alternative, emphasizing a detailed review process.

fact-finding mission

Highlights the purpose of gathering information and establishing facts.

FAQs

What is a "formal inquiry"?

A "formal inquiry" is a structured and official investigation, typically conducted by an organization or government body to examine a specific issue or event.

When is it appropriate to use the term "formal inquiry"?

Use "formal inquiry" when referring to investigations that follow established procedures and protocols, often involving the collection of evidence and testimony.

What can I say instead of "formal inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "official investigation", "structured investigation", or "official probe" depending on the context.

What's the difference between a "formal inquiry" and a preliminary review?

A "formal inquiry" is a comprehensive and structured investigation, while a preliminary review is a less formal assessment to determine whether a full investigation is warranted.