inquiries were made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inquiries were made" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of seeking information or investigating a matter. Example: "After the incident, inquiries were made to determine the cause of the failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Quiet inquiries were made about the factory's floor plan.

The New Yorker

When inquiries were made, one man said he had seen him board the Staten Island Ferry.

The New Yorker

When inquiries were made about the tickets, he testified that he had always intended to pay for them.

The New York Times

After inquiries were made to the C.I.A. and the F.B.I., she was quickly given an affirmative answer.

The New York Times

But even those landlords that didn't openly exclude housing benefit claimants on the advert made it clear, when subsequent inquiries were made, that they "didn't like" them.

The Guardian

After inquiries were made about the condition of the grounds last week, crews of inmates from the Essex County Jail were dispatched to clean up the site.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Inquiries are made.

The Washington Post

In no circumstance will these preliminary inquiries be made public, due to procedural reasons.

Independent

Inquiries are made, a brief discussion ensues, and the cashier is replaced with a more enlightened one.

The New York Times

Inquiries are made to the mapping organizations of all member countries regarding the extent of their respective map coverage, publication scales, and related data.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the algorithm upon which the scoring is based reduces the consumer's score when multiple inquiries are made within a period of time".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inquiries were made" when you want to emphasize the process of formally seeking information or investigating a matter. It's suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, providing a sense of due diligence and thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "inquiries were made" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "questions were asked" or "we looked into it" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquiries were made" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or some entity conducted an investigation or sought information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples showcase its use in describing investigations by official bodies or organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inquiries were made" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the act of seeking information or conducting an investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news reports, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives such as "investigations were conducted" or "questions were asked" can be used depending on the desired nuance and level of formality. When using the expression, remember that its presence is more suitable for formal and professional communications over casual ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigations were conducted

Focuses on a more formal and thorough examination, emphasizing the systematic nature of the investigation.

questions were asked

Emphasizes the act of questioning to gather information, less formal than "inquiries were made".

investigations were launched

Highlights the initiation of a formal investigation, suggesting a more serious and official undertaking.

queries were posed

A more formal alternative, "queries" suggests specific and direct questions.

examinations were carried out

Focuses on a detailed inspection or study, often in a scientific or technical context.

checks were performed

Implies a more routine or procedural investigation, less formal than "inquiries".

a probe was initiated

Suggests a focused and often discreet investigation into a specific issue.

a study was undertaken

Focuses on a more academic or research-oriented investigation.

an investigation ensued

Emphasizes the sequence of events, suggesting that the investigation followed directly from a prior event.

research was conducted

Highlights the systematic and scholarly nature of the investigation, often involving data collection and analysis.

FAQs

What does "inquiries were made" mean?

The phrase "inquiries were made" means that a formal investigation or series of questions was initiated to gather information about a specific matter.

How can I use "inquiries were made" in a sentence?

You can use "inquiries were made" in a sentence like this: "After the incident, "inquiries were made" to determine the cause of the failure."

What are some alternatives to "inquiries were made"?

Some alternatives to "inquiries were made" include "investigations were conducted", "questions were asked", or "investigations were launched" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "inquiries were made"?

It's appropriate to use "inquiries were made" in formal or neutral contexts where you want to emphasize that a systematic and thorough investigation took place. Avoid using it in informal settings where simpler language is more suitable.