inquiry whether

USAGE SUMMARY

'inquiry whether' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are searching for information about something. For example, "The researcher conducted an inquiry whether the new drug was safe for use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Asked by the Chilcot inquiry whether Blair's words were compatible with the advice he received, Goldsmith replies: "No".

The Guardian

He adds that he has used the word "fair" throughout the inquiry – "whether I'm achieving it is another matter".

The Guardian

The coroner said that it remained a "legitimate line of inquiry" whether MI6 or other secret agencies were involved in the death.

The New York Times

Would he support a public inquiry now? "I have no objection to some sort of inquiry – whether a public inquiry would be justified, I don't know.

The Guardian

I have repeatedly asked the inquiry whether any information has in fact been withheld on this basis but have had neither confirmation nor denial.

The Guardian - Opinion

Asked at the Leveson inquiry whether he had had unsupervised access to material classified top secret or above, he replied "I may have done, yes".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The regulator, Ofgem, is holding an inquiry into whether major energy companies are "lining their pockets".

Independent

She also announced an inquiry into whether peers who break the rules should face tougher penalties.

Independent

Geraldo Alckmin, governor of São Paulo state, has ordered an inquiry into whether the police overreacted.

The Economist

The N.R.A. did not respond to an inquiry about whether Mr. LaPierre would attend.

The New York Times

The commission "should launch an inquiry into whether he's lobbying or not," Mr. Horner said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inquiry whether", remember that the phrase is frequently used in formal writing, thus is more proper in formal speech and writing.

Common error

Avoid using "inquiry whether" when a direct question is more appropriate. For example, instead of "an inquiry whether the project was successful", consider "Did the project succeed?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquiry whether" functions as a connector initiating a question or investigation within a larger sentence. Ludwig's AI considers it a grammatically correct structure often found in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquiry whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in formal writing contexts such as news reports and scientific papers. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to introduce a question being investigated, setting a stage for further analysis or discussion. While simpler alternatives may exist, using "inquiry whether" indicates a formal tone. Remember to avoid using it when a direct question will be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigation into whether

Focuses on the investigative aspect, replacing "inquiry" with a more specific term.

examination of whether

Highlights a detailed and careful inspection, differing slightly in formality.

probe into whether

Implies a deeper, more thorough investigation, often into sensitive matters.

study of whether

Suggests a more academic or research-oriented approach.

analysis of whether

Emphasizes a detailed breakdown and evaluation of the topic.

review of whether

Indicates a formal assessment or reconsideration of a situation.

assessment of whether

Highlights the evaluation and judgment aspect of the investigation.

exploration of whether

Implies a broader, more open-ended investigation.

consideration of whether

Suggests a careful and thoughtful examination of the issue.

survey of whether

Indicates a systematic collection and analysis of data.

FAQs

How is "inquiry whether" used in a sentence?

"Inquiry whether" is typically used to introduce a question being investigated. For example, "The committee launched an inquiry whether the company had violated environmental regulations."

What phrases can I use instead of "inquiry whether"?

Alternatives include "investigation into whether", "examination of whether", or "probe into whether", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "inquiry about whether" or "inquiry whether"?

"Inquiry whether" is a more concise and common way to express the concept. "Inquiry about whether" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What is the difference between "inquiry" and "investigation"?

"Inquiry" often refers to a formal questioning or systematic process of gathering information, while "investigation" implies a more in-depth and thorough search for evidence. They both can often be used to start with the word "whether".