half inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half inquiry" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe a situation that is partially investigative or questioning in nature, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "Her response was more of a half inquiry, suggesting she was unsure about the topic."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was half inquiry, half request.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Half the inquiry has already been done in the U.K., and half in Malaysia".

The New York Times

He explained that for the first year and a half, the inquiry focused on questioning about 200 people, including students living in Boland Hall, and then on a re-creation of the fire at a vacant dormitory at an Air Force base in South Carolina.

The New York Times

And more than half the inquiries are from Britons, she said.

The New York Times

The Budd report says After a three-and-a-half week inquiry, Sir Alan Budd still did not know the answer.

The Guardian

Williams told the half-day inquiry on Tuesday extra protections were needed to ensure the new rules did not become "a de facto vote one system".

The Guardian

Over the past year, U.S. House and Senate leaders have opened a half dozen inquiries into the NCAA, many of which have focused on gaps in medical coverage and limited representation for athletes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The senior police investigator, Detective Chief Superintendent Julian Gregory, said that despite an exhaustive two-and-a-half-year inquiry, the police did not have a realistic prospect of finding the offender or offenders.

The New York Times

His death in that crash, in the company of a senior policeman and a member of parliament, prompted a dismally half-hearted inquiry into relations between organised crime and top politicians.

The Economist

Theresult is a gallery of Pamuks: here is theauthor of the haunted, half-lit inquiry intomelancholy and neglect, "Istanbul: Memoriesand the City," with further glimpsesof the "forest of secret stairways" that ishis home; here is the man who so lovesbooks that he wrote a whole novel, "TheNew Life," about a character whose life isturned around by a book, with essays onthe writers who possess him.

The New York Times - Books

A fortnight later, they make half-hearted inquiries ("Just calling about Ted in primary three... just wondered if he's been standing outside the school for a couple of weeks?").

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half inquiry", ensure the context clearly indicates that the inquiry is partial, incomplete, or hesitant. Consider alternatives like "partial investigation" or "tentative question" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "half inquiry" when the investigation or questioning is intended to be comprehensive. This phrase implies a lack of completeness, so use it only when that is the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half inquiry" functions as a noun phrase that describes a type of investigation or questioning. It implies that the inquiry is either incomplete, hesitant, or not fully committed. As Ludwig notes, it is not a standard expression but can be understood in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half inquiry" is used to describe an investigation or questioning that is incomplete, hesitant, or not fully committed. Ludwig AI notes that it's not a standard expression. While grammatically acceptable, it is less common than alternatives like "partial inquiry" or "preliminary investigation". Its use implies a lack of thoroughness or a degree of tentativeness. When using the phrase "half inquiry", it is crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning and that it doesn't inadvertently overstate or understate the level of investigation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, and its register is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partial investigation

Focuses on the investigative aspect, highlighting that it is not a complete or thorough inquiry.

incomplete inquiry

Emphasizes the unfinished or lacking nature of the investigation.

preliminary investigation

Suggests an initial or early stage of the inquiry process.

tentative inquiry

Highlights the hesitant or uncertain nature of the inquiry.

hesitant question

Shifts the focus to questioning, emphasizing a lack of confidence or certainty.

qualified inquiry

Indicates that the inquiry is limited or restricted in scope.

perfunctory inquiry

Suggests that the inquiry is carried out without genuine interest or effort.

superficial inquiry

Implies that the inquiry lacks depth or thoroughness.

cursory examination

Focuses on the examination aspect, highlighting its brief and rapid nature.

passing inquiry

Suggests a brief or fleeting inquiry that does not delve into details.

FAQs

How can I use "half inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "half inquiry" to describe a situation where an investigation or questioning is incomplete or tentative. For example, "It was a "half inquiry", more of a suggestion than a demand".

What can I say instead of "half inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "partial investigation", "preliminary investigation", or "tentative inquiry" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "half inquiry" or "partial inquiry"?

Both "half inquiry" and "partial inquiry" can be grammatically correct, but "partial inquiry" is more commonly used and may be clearer. "Half inquiry" implies incompleteness, while "partial inquiry" suggests a limited scope.

What's the difference between "half inquiry" and "half-hearted inquiry"?

"Half inquiry" refers to an inquiry that is incomplete or partial. "Half-hearted inquiry" describes an inquiry conducted without enthusiasm or sincerity.