inquired whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"inquired whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you are asking if something is the case. For example, "The teacher inquired whether the student had completed his assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Later, Todd inquired whether such a plan would involve "boots on the ground".

The New Yorker

The clerk who took her order inquired whether she wanted to pay an….

The New Yorker

She inquired whether a certain train to Scarsdale would be running on Christmas Day.

The New Yorker

Ms. Schneider sometimes inquired whether the couple might leave, especially with the coming wedding, scheduled for Aug. 10.

The New York Times

The clerk who took her order inquired whether she wanted to pay an additional five-dollar charge for "de-luxing".

The New Yorker

Concerned, he inquired whether she was O.K. (She had been in a six-car highway crash, but was unhurt).

The New York Times

"Some schools have inquired whether the State Education Department has a policy on student participation in graduation ceremonies," he wrote.

The New York Times

His famous riposte to a French journalist who innocently inquired whether he was English was "au contraire".

The Guardian - Opinion

He cabled his office in London and inquired whether anybody there knew of an outstanding picture that was for sale.

The New Yorker

The bulletin also inquired whether, by any chance, we'd be interested in Joining in a tango class.

The New Yorker

This made for great PR — but few journalists inquired whether the victims had computers to witness this noble exercise in transparency (they didn't).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inquired whether", ensure the context is appropriate for a formal or neutral tone. It's particularly useful in reporting or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "inquired whether" in informal settings where a simpler phrase like "asked if" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquired whether" functions as a connector introducing an indirect question. It transforms a direct question into a subordinate clause, making it part of a larger statement. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquired whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to introduce indirect questions, making it particularly valuable in formal writing, news reporting, and professional contexts. While alternatives like "asked if" exist, "inquired whether" maintains a more formal tone. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings to maintain an appropriate level of formality in your writing. Its widespread presence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and proper usage in high-quality English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questioned whether

Emphasizes the act of questioning or challenging a statement.

asked if

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

wondered whether

Implies a sense of curiosity or uncertainty.

investigated if

Highlights a formal or official inquiry.

sought to know if

A more formal and deliberate way of asking.

made an inquiry about whether

Highlights the act of making a formal request for information.

probed whether

Suggests a deeper, more thorough investigation.

verified if

Emphasizes the act of confirming or checking something.

checked to see if

A more casual way of verifying something.

determined whether

Focuses on the act of reaching a conclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "inquired whether" to introduce an indirect question, such as, "The journalist "inquired whether" the CEO would resign".

What are some alternatives to "inquired whether"?

Some alternatives include "asked if", "wondered whether", or "questioned whether", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "inquired whether"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, reports, or when conveying a sense of polite or official questioning. A news report may state "The reporter "inquired whether" the allegations were true".

Is "inquired whether" more formal than "asked if"?

Yes, "inquired whether" carries a more formal tone than "asked if". Use "inquired whether" in professional or academic contexts where formality is preferred.