inquire about how

USAGE SUMMARY

"inquire about how" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as: "I inquired about how to submit the paperwork".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Contact us to inquire about how you can help support Avery's Wright projects.

Columbia University

Friends and family jokingly inquire about how to manage the stresses of poolside reading and I have to smile and admit that it's true, at least in part.

The Guardian

He also did not inquire about how such a selection might play, even as he reviewed with them the qualifications of other potential candidates on his list.

The New York Times

Their job is to monitor trading floors and inquire about how a bank's money is being invested, so they can head off potential problems before blow-ups occur.

The New York Times

Should librarians inquire about how the object will be used, and not allow access to those who aren't "using" the objects "appropriately"?

Princeton University

I was too busy asking existential questions at the end of her life to inquire about how she managed more mundane things (ditto her recipe for stuffed cabbage and pot roast).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Key elements to inquire about are how long they have been training and their understanding of anatomy and physiology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A lawman inquires about how many men Hamer has killed.

The Washington Post

I inquired about how we might be able to get more legal content onto Wikipedia.

Stanford University

Specifically, they inquired about how many hours each day the men spent watching television or sitting in a car.

The New York Times

Faulk asks questions of his linemen, said the All-Pro guard Adam Timmerman, inquiring about how they determine their blocking assignments.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inquire about how", ensure that the context is clear about the specific process or method you are asking about. Be direct in your question to receive a focused and helpful answer.

Common error

While "inquire about how" is grammatically correct, avoid using it in very informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "ask about how" or "find out how" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquire about how" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce a question or request for information regarding a process, method, or procedure. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

21%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquire about how" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to formally request information about a process or method. Ludwig's analysis confirms its acceptability across diverse contexts, although it's best suited for professional, academic, and news-related environments where a formal tone is appropriate. While similar phrases like "ask about how" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality. Remember to be clear and specific when using this phrase to elicit a focused response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask about how

A more direct and simpler way to express the same concept.

ask how

Shortened form, omitting "about", slightly less formal.

find out how

Focuses on discovering information rather than just asking.

learn how

Emphasizes gaining knowledge about a process.

determine how

Highlights the process of establishing the method.

investigate how

Suggests a more thorough examination of the process.

check how

Implies verifying or confirming a method.

study how

Focuses on the detailed analysis of a process.

explore how

Suggests an open-ended examination of different methods.

consult about how

Suggests seeking advice or guidance on a process.

FAQs

What's a less formal way to say "inquire about how"?

You can use alternatives such as "ask about how", "find out how", or just "ask how" depending on the context.

How do I use "inquire about how" in a sentence?

Use "inquire about how" when you want to formally ask about a process or method. For example, "I'd like to inquire about how I can apply for the scholarship."

Is "inquire about how" appropriate for casual conversations?

While grammatically correct, "inquire about how" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using phrases like "ask about how" instead.

What's the difference between "inquire about how" and "ask about how"?

"Inquire about how" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts, while "ask about how" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal situations.