inquire into

USAGE SUMMARY

"inquire into" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to investigate or look into something. For example, "The council has asked me to inquire into the matter of the missing funds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One must then inquire into the nature of a proper phenomenology to describe these materials.

Physica B: Condensed Matter

She said her efforts to inquire into Madoff's operation were rebuffed with disdain.

The New York Times - Sports

House of Representatives has appointed committee to inquire into Prohibition question.

The New Yorker

"Why should we inquire into style at all?" he asks rhetorically in "Figures Traced in Light".

The New York Times

If you were there to inquire into the political situation, people thanked you for that, too.

The New Yorker

The state already finds it appropriate to inquire into the sincerity or otherwise of your marriage.

Independent

In the same year he was appointed a commissioner to inquire into the settlement of Ireland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So I began to inquire into the disease, and to write about it.

The Guardian

"I don't know the full details of the deal; we'll certainly inquire into them," Lucchino said.

The New York Times

A frantic Scrabble player phoned from New Zealand to inquire into the legality of "vee".

The New York Times

So he called his wise men together and asked them to inquire into its cause.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inquire into" when you want to convey a formal or official investigation, particularly when the subject is complex or sensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "inquire into" in casual contexts. Simpler alternatives like "look into" or "check out" are often more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquire into" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the act of investigating or examining something. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. This usage is supported by various examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, the phrase "inquire into" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrasal verb that signifies a formal investigation or examination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Primarily found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, "inquire into" conveys a structured approach to understanding complex matters. While versatile, it's best reserved for formal settings, with simpler alternatives available for casual communication. Remember to use "inquire into" to indicate serious, in-depth investigations, and consider context to avoid sounding overly formal in everyday conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Investigate

A more direct and concise way to express the action of looking into something, lacking the prepositional structure.

Look into

A common and slightly more informal way to express investigating something.

Examine

Implies a careful and detailed inspection.

Explore

Suggests a broader and more open-ended investigation.

Delve into

Implies a deeper and more thorough investigation.

Probe

Suggests a more intrusive or thorough investigation, often into sensitive matters.

Scrutinize

Emphasizes a very detailed and critical examination.

Check out

A more casual and less formal way to say "inquire into".

Go into

Similar to "look into" but can also mean to enter a subject.

Study

Focuses on a systematic and detailed investigation, often for academic purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "inquire into" in a sentence?

Use "inquire into" to suggest a formal investigation or examination. For example, "The committee will "inquire into" the allegations of misconduct."

What are some alternatives to "inquire into"?

You can use alternatives like "investigate", "look into", or "examine" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "inquire into" instead of "investigate"?

"Inquire into" often suggests a more formal or official process of investigation compared to the more general term "investigate".

Is "inquire into" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "inquire into" is generally more suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "look into" or "check out".