inquire whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inquire whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a more formal way of asking a question about something. For example: "I will inquire whether the store has the product in stock before I buy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People did not inquire whether anything had occurred.

The Guardian

They should inquire whether more diagnoses will lead to more unnecessary treatment.

The New York Times

The committee might also inquire whether the intelligence services are using their resources wisely.

The Guardian - Opinion

This year's Guardian Debate on 23 August will inquire whether Britain needs a state-run broadcaster.

The Guardian - Books

We can gently inquire whether they actually like playing travel soccer four days a week.

The Washington Post

We are to inquire whether the rule has been so established by positive authority.

Harvard University

A loss factor is basically an energetic quantity and, therefore, one may inquire whether the induced loss factor may be estimated via an energy analysis (EA).

Journal of Sound and Vibration

On Sunday, Khudir Mahmoud sent a woman to the morgue to inquire whether his body had turned up.

The Washington Post

"Do you want me to inquire whether they are looking for an over-by-over commentary guy?" Yes.

The Guardian - Sport

And be sure to inquire whether there are any out-of-pocket costs to avoid surprises later.

The New York Times

Finally, Howe sent to inquire whether General Washington would agree to receive a new emissary, Lieutenant Colonel James Paterson.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inquire whether" in formal writing or when seeking specific information, especially when directness or clarity is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "inquire whether" in casual conversations; simpler alternatives like "ask if" or "check if" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquire whether" functions as an indirect question marker, introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a query. Ludwig examples show its use across varied domains, confirming this function. It is commonly used to introduce an inquiry about a condition or fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquire whether" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to introduce indirect questions. Ludwig AI indicates it is suitable for formal contexts, such as academic writing, news reports, and professional communications. While it's a common phrase, especially in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "ask if" may be more appropriate. Remember to consider the audience and purpose of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask whether

More direct and less formal than "inquire whether".

enquire whether

A synonym of "inquire whether", common in British English.

determine whether

Focuses on the resolution of uncertainty, implying a more thorough investigation.

investigate whether

Implies a detailed and systematic examination.

ascertain whether

Suggests finding something out for certain.

check whether

A simpler and more informal way to express the same idea.

find out whether

Emphasizes the discovery of information.

see if

A more colloquial and concise alternative.

look into whether

Implies a preliminary investigation.

explore whether

Suggests a broader examination of possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "inquire whether" to introduce a question, like "I will inquire whether they have any job openings".

What's a good alternative to "inquire whether"?

Alternatives include "ask whether", "enquire whether", or "check if", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "inquire whether" or "ask whether"?

"Inquire whether" is more formal than "ask whether". Use "inquire whether" in formal writing and "ask whether" in more casual settings.

When is it appropriate to use "inquire whether"?

It is appropriate to use "inquire whether" in formal contexts, such as business correspondence, academic writing, or official inquiries.