inquired of

USAGE SUMMARY

"inquired of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking questions of another person or when expressing curiosity. For example: "He inquired of his neighbor about the strange noise coming from the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of them inquired of the other if….

The New Yorker

"Excuse me, Paolo," he once inquired of a political lieutenant.

The Economist

Mother inquired of uncle if he could put us across.

The New York Times

An observer was curious and inquired of the cop.

The New Yorker

"Are you OK?" he inquired of the official.

The Guardian - Sport

"Your daddy's in Nebraska," he inquired of one.

The Guardian

"How you doin', guys?" he inquired of the reporters.

The New York Times

Why Barbie, this reporter inquired of Ms. L'Excellent?

The New York Times

"I don't know if you've noticed," he inquired of inmates.

The Guardian

"You hungry?" a blimp of a female wrapped in numerous shawls inquired of the poor painter.

The New Yorker

One of them inquired of the other if he had ever eaten there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and context. While grammatically sound, "inquired of" might sound overly formal in casual or informal writing. Choose simpler alternatives like "asked" if the situation doesn't call for elevated language.

Common error

Avoid using "inquired of" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "asked" or "questioned" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquired of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a formal or polite request for information. It is used to report that someone asked a question, often in a context where a degree of formality or respect is intended, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquired of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a formal or polite request for information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in formal writing, historical contexts, or when direct quoting someone. While versatile, it is crucial to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing, opting for simpler alternatives like "asked" in informal settings. Its high frequency in news and media sources underscores its relevance in professional communication. Keep in mind that overly formal language can detract from the natural flow of communication, so choose the right phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asked someone

Replaces the formal "inquired of" with a more common and direct way of saying someone asked.

questioned someone

Similar to "inquired of" but implies a more formal or investigative tone.

queried someone

A more formal synonym for "asked", maintaining a similar level of politeness as "inquired of".

sought information from

Focuses on the act of seeking information rather than the direct act of asking.

made inquiries to

Emphasizes the process of making a formal request for information.

put a question to

A more stylized way of saying someone asked a question.

requested information from

Highlights the act of requesting rather than simply asking.

consulted with

Implies seeking advice or guidance, not just information.

interviewed

Suggests a structured questioning session.

canvassed

Implies widespread and thorough inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "inquired of" in a sentence?

Use "inquired of" when you want to indicate a formal or polite way of asking. For example, "The reporter "inquired of" the CEO about the company's future plans."

What's a more straightforward way to say "inquired of"?

A simpler alternative is "asked". While "inquired of" has a formal tone, "asked" is more direct and suitable for everyday conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "inquired of"?

It's most appropriate to use "inquired of" in formal writing, historical contexts, or when quoting someone's exact words. It adds a level of sophistication to the narrative.

Is "inquired of" better than "asked about"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Asked about" is generally less formal and more common in everyday language. "Inquired of" suggests a more deliberate and formal inquiry.