inquiry question

USAGE SUMMARY

"inquiry question" is correct and it is used in written English to refer to a question that can be used to prompt thought and generate discussion.
For example: "What are the implications of this data? That is an inquiry question worth considering."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

After almost two hours being interrogated on everything from the details of Sam Allardyce's contract to homophobia at October's culture, media and sport select committee inquiry, question 90 was the curveball the Football Association chairman Greg Clarke certainly wasn't expecting.

The Guardian - Sport

They proceeded to seek answers to their key inquiry question (Excerpt 2).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

The group then proceeded to look for key words in the key inquiry question asked.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

We've reached out to the SG's spokesman on the Article 52 inquiry question and will update this article with any response.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Whereas answers often block further inquiry, questions open doors and invite the questioner to explore what is on the other side.

Huffington Post

But the inquiry questioned General Cartwright's judgment.

The New York Times

Kelly, a Ministry of Defence expert on WMD, committed suicide after an internal departmental inquiry questioned his 'unauthorised contacts' with the media.

The Guardian

As well as discussing the issue of transphobic online content and hate speech, MPs at the inquiry questioned Vaizey about media policy on transgender equality.

The Guardian

In honor of the spirit of surprise, let's avoid revealing the solution for the first 24 hours the puzzle is up, and limit comments to lines of inquiry, questions, hints or observations.

The New York Times

PAGE A21 Inquiry Linked to a Senator In a corruption inquiry, questions have arisen about the ties of Senator Ted Stevens, Republican of Alaska, to a former oil executive and about renovations to his home.

The New York Times

Robert Jay, the counsel to the Leveson Inquiry, questioned Dacre about a column, by Jan Moir, that had caused outrage by insinuating that the death of the singer Stephen Gateley, of the boy band Boyzone, had had something to do with his being gay.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "inquiry question", ensure that the question is open-ended and encourages detailed exploration rather than a simple yes or no response.

Common error

Avoid framing your "inquiry question" as an accusation or a demand for specific information. Instead, craft it to stimulate curiosity and thoughtful responses. An interrogation seeks confirmation; an inquiry seeks understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquiry question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a type of question designed to prompt exploration and deeper understanding. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a question that invites thought and discussion. The phrase is grammatically correct and used in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inquiry question" is a grammatically sound and technically correct term used to describe a question designed to prompt deeper thinking and investigation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it encourages thoughtful discussion. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it is primarily found in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the question is open-ended and designed to stimulate curiosity, not simply to extract specific answers. Be mindful of differentiating "inquiry question" from similar phrases like "research question", and investigative question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Investigative question

Focuses on the investigative nature of the question, highlighting its role in a formal inquiry.

Line of questioning

Emphasizes a series of questions used during an investigation to achieve greater insight.

Research question

Specifies the questions used in research.

Problem statement

Describes the issue the question aims to address.

Exploratory question

Highlights the purpose of exploration or discovery in a subject of interest.

Guiding question

Stresses the question's role in guiding a discussion or investigation.

Central question

Highlights the fundamental nature of the question to the investigation.

Key question

Focuses on the question being essential or crucial.

Inquiry based prompt

Indicates that the prompt is crafted to facilitate inquiry.

Question for examination

It's a more formal way of highlighting what aspect or matter will be examined.

FAQs

How can I use "inquiry question" in a sentence?

An "inquiry question" is often used in educational and research settings. For example, "The teacher posed an "inquiry question" to stimulate critical thinking among the students."

What is the difference between an "inquiry question" and a research question?

While both aim to explore a topic, an "inquiry question" is broader and often used to initiate discussion or exploratory learning. A research question is typically more focused and designed to guide a specific research project with a defined methodology.

What are some synonyms for "inquiry question"?

Alternatives include "investigative question", "research question", or "exploratory question", depending on the specific context.

How does an "inquiry question" promote learning?

An "inquiry question" encourages learners to actively seek answers, analyze information, and construct their own understanding of a topic. This promotes deeper learning and critical thinking skills.