inquiring whether

USAGE SUMMARY

"inquiring whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a question or asking for clarification. Example: The teacher asked, "Inquiring whether you completed your assignment?", his eyes fixed on the student.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From Oslo came increasingly anguished letters from Julia, inquiring whether ten years' work was down the drain.

The New Yorker

The 2009 change allowed the medical examiner's office to notify investigators, inquiring whether they wanted to know the name.

The New York Times

Callers inquiring whether the tycoon was concerned about problems within his Arcadia retail empire were dealt with abruptly.

The Times

Stone responded "yes" and asked to speak on a "secure" line, inquiring whether the supporter could communicate through WhatsApp.

The Washington Post

They looked at a survey question inquiring whether "having a strong leader who does not have to bother with Parliament or elections" is a good thing.

The New York Times

I'll tell you that when an innocent person is killed, we never go about asking or inquiring whether they were Jewish or Christian or Muslim.

The New York Times

At step four, the SSA will find not disabled a claimant who can do his previous work, without inquiring whether that work exists in the national economy.

Cornell University

Having relocated to Juba, the new country's capital, Fitzpatrick began inquiring whether there might be a position for her in the brand-new U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Harvard University

Includes letter inquiring whether John Spencer is related to other Spencers in the state; also a letter from his cousin Edgar A. Spencer.

Cornell University

You can comfortably do this by saying how much you have enjoyed the conversation and inquiring whether it is possible to continue the conversation at a later time.

Columbia University

Mr. Powers and Mr. Schneider do, however, receive calls from mothers inquiring whether there's quiet space to talk (yes) or photos of scantily clad women (no).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "inquiring whether" with a simpler phrase like "asking if" in less formal situations for clarity and directness.

Common error

Avoid using "inquiring whether" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "asking if" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquiring whether" functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing an indirect question or subordinate clause that expresses an inquiry. It commonly connects a main clause with a clause that presents a question. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard and acceptable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquiring whether" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for introducing indirect questions, especially in neutral to formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and academic institutions demonstrate its wide applicability. While effective in professional and academic writing, it is advisable to use simpler alternatives like "asking if" in informal situations. Remember to maintain a consistent tone and choose the most appropriate phrase for your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asking if

This is a simpler and more direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

querying if

A more formal alternative, suitable for written communication.

investigating if

This suggests a more formal and thorough examination.

determining whether

This indicates an effort to reach a conclusion or decision.

checking to see if

This implies a verification or confirmation process.

ascertaining whether

This implies a careful and precise effort to find something out.

exploring if

This suggests a preliminary investigation or consideration.

examining if

Suggests a detailed and careful inspection.

probing whether

Implies a deeper, more inquisitive search for information.

considering whether

This suggests a careful thought process to reach a conclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "inquiring whether" to introduce a question or request for clarification, as in "The manager was "inquiring whether" the report had been submitted on time."

What are some alternatives to "inquiring whether"?

Alternatives include "asking if", "investigating if", or "checking to see if", depending on the level of formality and the context of the inquiry.

Is it more appropriate to use "inquiring whether" or "asking whether"?

"Inquiring whether" is more formal than "asking whether". Choose "inquiring whether" for professional or academic writing, and "asking whether" for more casual communication.

What's the difference between "inquiring whether" and "investigating whether"?

"Inquiring whether" suggests a general question or request for information, while "investigating whether" implies a more thorough and systematic examination to determine the truth or facts of a matter.