he inquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he inquired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is asking for information or clarification in a formal or polite manner. Example: "During the meeting, he inquired about the progress of the project and any potential challenges we might face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He inquired about a room.

The New York Times

"Is everybody O.K.?" he inquired.

The New York Times - Arts

He inquired after mutual acquaintances.

The New Yorker

"Semen?" he inquired.

The Guardian - Books

"Why do you do this?" he inquired.

The New York Times

Tell me if I'm warm," he inquired.

The New Yorker

"Don't I owe you $40?" he inquired.

The New York Times

"What is your cat's name?" he inquired.

The New Yorker

"Are you a brother?" he inquired.

The Washington Post

He inquired, pruriently, into my marital status.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Where in the West?" he inquired.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he inquired", ensure that the context aligns with the slightly elevated tone of the phrase. It works well in formal reports, historical accounts, or literary narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "he inquired" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for "he asked" or other more relaxed alternatives to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he inquired" functions as a narrative device, typically used to report a question or a request for information from a male subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he inquired" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable. It serves to formally introduce a question or request for information, often adding a touch of politeness or sophistication to the narrative. While versatile, it's best suited for more formal writing and should be used judiciously in casual contexts. Alternatives like "he asked" are available for more neutral or informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he asked

A more direct and common alternative, suitable for most situations.

he questioned

Implies a more formal or probing line of inquiry.

he queried

A slightly more formal synonym for "asked", often used in writing.

he wanted to know

A more conversational way of expressing the inquiry.

he probed

Suggests a deeper, more thorough investigation through questioning.

he requested

Emphasizes the act of asking for something, rather than just seeking information.

he examined

Suggests a careful and detailed inquiry.

he investigated

Implies a systematic and formal inquiry, often in a legal or official context.

he pressed

Indicates persistent questioning, often to get a reluctant answer.

he sought information

A more formal and explicit way of stating the purpose of the inquiry.

FAQs

How to use "he inquired" in a sentence?

Use "he inquired" when you want to describe someone asking a question in a slightly formal or literary way. For example: "He inquired about the weather" or "He inquired after her health".

What can I say instead of "he inquired"?

You can use alternatives such as "he asked", "he questioned", or "he wanted to know" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "he inquired" instead of "he asked"?

"He inquired" is more formal and suitable for writing where you want to create a slightly more distant or sophisticated tone. "He asked" is more common and neutral.

What's the difference between "he inquired" and "he interrogated"?

"He inquired" suggests a simple request for information. "He interrogated" implies a more intense and potentially confrontational questioning, often associated with legal or investigative contexts.