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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
inquire and propose
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "inquire and propose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone should ask questions and make suggestions or recommendations. Example: "I encourage you to inquire and propose any ideas you have for improving our project."
✓ Grammatically correct
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Leaders need to advocate, then inquire, and repeat as needed.
News & Media
In such case the security and reliability to inquire and data disseminate are very important.
Science
and propose.
Wiki
Before publishing this article, I wrote to the museum inquiring about the omission and proposing some changes.
News & Media
After critiquing these rules, Professor Richmnan inquires into the extent of the government's obligations when it contracts with defendants and proposes a set of default rules that better reflect the realities of the bargaining process.
Academia
Later, Doc inquires whether puncture marks found on the throat of a murder victim might have been inflicted by fangs, and proposes that the wounds be checked for gold traces.
News & Media
Other covariates were inquired and updated during follow-up.
Science
On one side are those who inquire, examine, experiment, research, propose ideas and subject them to scrutiny, change their minds when shown to be wrong and live with uncertainty while placing reliance on the collective, self-critical, responsible and rigorous use of reason and observation to further the quest for knowledge.
News & Media
Anyone brave enough to inquire into Britain's proposed £24bn new power station can only reel back in horror.
News & Media
Labels make us lazy, failing to inquire, learn and understand.
News & Media
This instrument was modified to make it fit to inquire individual and leader's orientation.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "inquire and propose" when you want to emphasize both the act of seeking information and suggesting a solution or plan. This phrase is suitable for scenarios where both aspects are equally important.
Common error
Avoid using "inquire and propose" in informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "ask and suggest" are often more appropriate for casual conversations.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "inquire and propose" functions as a compound verb phrase, combining the action of seeking information (inquiring) with the action of offering a suggestion or plan (proposing). Although Ludwig indicates this is a usable phrase, its lack of frequent examples suggests it's not a common idiom.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "inquire and propose" is grammatically sound but relatively uncommon in contemporary usage. As highlighted by Ludwig, this combination of verbs suggests a dual action of seeking information and offering solutions. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. The formality of the phrase lends itself well to professional or academic contexts, where a more sophisticated tone is desired.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
ask and suggest
Replaces "inquire" with the more basic "ask" and "propose" with "suggest", making it simpler.
examine and offer
Uses "examine" to convey a careful inquiry and "offer" for a proposal or suggestion.
question and recommend
Uses "question" to convey the act of inquiring and "recommend" for suggesting a course of action.
investigate and suggest
Replaces "inquire" with "investigate" implying a more thorough search for information, and maintains "suggest".
research and suggest
Replaces "inquire" with the more formal "research", implying a detailed study, and maintains "suggest".
explore and recommend
Uses "explore" to indicate a broader inquiry and "recommend" to offer a suggestion.
look into and put forward
"Look into" substitutes "inquire", suggesting an examination, while "put forward" replaces "propose" with a more formal tone.
probe and advance
"Probe" implies a deeper inquiry, and "advance" suggests moving forward with a proposal.
explore and submit
Explore to indicate investigation, and "submit" suggests formally presenting a proposal.
delve into and submit
"Delve into" indicates a thorough investigation, and "submit" suggests formally presenting a proposal.
FAQs
How can I use "inquire and propose" in a sentence?
The phrase "inquire and propose" is used to suggest someone should both ask questions and offer suggestions. For example, "During the meeting, feel free to "ask and suggest" ways to improve the process."
What's the difference between "inquire and propose" and "ask and suggest"?
"Inquire and propose" is more formal. "Ask and suggest" are simpler and more commonly used in everyday conversation.
When is it appropriate to use "inquire and propose" instead of simpler alternatives?
Use "inquire and propose" in formal or professional contexts where a more sophisticated tone is desired. For example, in a business meeting, it might be appropriate to say, "I encourage you to "investigate and suggest" alternative strategies."
What are some synonyms for "inquire and propose" that maintain a formal tone?
Alternatives that maintain formality include "investigate and suggest", "examine and offer", or "research and suggest". These options add nuance depending on the specific context.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested