inquiring about what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inquiring about what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to ask for information or clarification regarding a specific topic or subject. Example: "I am inquiring about what the next steps are for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In recent weeks, the Italian news media has reported that several top clubs in Italy are inquiring about what it would take to acquire Bradley.

The New York Times

After inquiring about what an object was, some children were shown a function that plausibly accounted for the structural features of the object; others were shown a possible, but implausible function.

Cognition

Hare has continued to follow preparations for the next edition, due out in 2012, and recently sent an e-mail to a senior member of the task force inquiring about what revisions, if any, were planned for A.P.D. The reply, Hare said, was noncommittal.

The New Yorker

Though Mr. Holmes was inquiring about what had been one of Niger's most politically delicate topics, chronic hunger, government ministers with retinues of functionaries barreled into the dusty villages with him, and everywhere he went he was treated like a visiting head of state.

The New York Times

The report said that Mr. Teitel and an assistant principal, Randi Damesek, took too long to question students involved and did not report the cheating to state officials until eight days after catching the lead student, when reporters began inquiring about what had happened.

The New York Times

Instead of inquiring about what's gone wrong or focusing on "the problem," it's better to use positive questions geared to leveraging strengths and achieving goals: What are we doing well and how might we build upon that?

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Before making assumptions about their interests, take time to inquire about what matters most to your younger staffers.

Harvard University

The Yankees have long been enamored of Erstad and inquired about what it would take to acquire him in 1998.

The New York Times - Sports

When she inquired, "About what?" he replied, "That if the plane has to crash, it be on the way home".

The New York Times

Writer inquires about what sort of language or speech an untutored baby would develop by looking at instances where children have been found in the wild.

The New Yorker

She makes herself hold off until the day after the art meeting to call and "casually" inquire about what's going in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inquiring about what" when you want to suggest a formal or polite request for information. This phrasing is common in professional communication, research, and customer service.

Common error

Avoid using "inquiring about what" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "asking about what" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquiring about what" functions as a gerund phrase introducing an indirect question. It is used to express a request for information, often in a formal or polite manner, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquiring about what" is a versatile phrase used to politely request information, with Ludwig AI confirming its correctness. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for neutral to professional contexts. For casual settings, consider alternatives like "asking about what". Remember to be clear about the subject of your inquiry and to maintain a respectful tone. By understanding its nuances and alternatives, you can use it effectively in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asking about what

Uses "asking" instead of "inquiring", a more common and slightly less formal verb.

querying what

Replaces "inquiring about" with the single verb "querying", making it more concise.

seeking information about what

Emphasizes the act of "seeking information", adding a degree of formality.

investigating what

Implies a more thorough and detailed search for information.

wondering what

Expresses curiosity and a desire to know something, less formal.

wanting to know what

Direct and straightforward way to express the need for information.

finding out what

Focuses on the process of discovering or learning something.

determining what

Suggests a need to establish or confirm something as a fact.

examining what

Implies a careful and detailed inspection to understand something.

researching what

Suggests a systematic investigation into a particular subject.

FAQs

What is a more formal alternative to "inquiring about what"?

A more formal alternative is "seeking information about what". This phrasing emphasizes the act of actively looking for details, suggesting a formal approach.

When is it appropriate to use "inquiring about what"?

It's appropriate to use "inquiring about what" in professional contexts, formal correspondence, or when conducting research. It conveys a polite and respectful tone when requesting information.

How can I make my sentence more concise when using "inquiring about what"?

Consider using the verb "querying" in place of "inquiring about". For example, instead of "inquiring about what the status is", you could say "querying what the status is".

What's the difference between "inquiring about what" and "asking about what"?

"Inquiring about what" is more formal and polite, suitable for professional settings. "Asking about what" is more casual and appropriate for informal conversations.