line of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of inquiry" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to an investigation, exploration, or search for information about something. For example: "The police followed a rigorous line of inquiry to find the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the better line of inquiry.

The Guardian

Which begs a line of inquiry, perhaps?

The New York Times

He disdained this line of inquiry.

The Guardian - Books

What will your line of inquiry be?

The Guardian

But the report doesn't push this line of inquiry.

The New York Times

He concludes that this line of inquiry should be worthwhile.

Independent

Vengeful drug dealers are another line of inquiry.

The Guardian

One line of inquiry studies its effects in the lab.

The Economist

Why did Harris pursue this line of inquiry?

The New Yorker

At Yale, the line of inquiry was markedly different.

The New York Times - Magazine

One line of inquiry focused on automated trading systems.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line of inquiry" to refer to a specific, focused approach to investigating a topic or solving a problem. This implies a systematic and purposeful exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "line of inquiry" when simply describing general curiosity or unfocused exploration. It should denote a structured and methodical investigative approach. For example, don't say "My line of inquiry is everything about space"; instead, focus it, like "My line of inquiry is the search for water on Mars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific method or direction taken when investigating a matter, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "line of inquiry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a specific method or direction taken during an investigation or exploration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, clarity and focus are key to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "avenue of investigation" and "course of investigation" can be used to provide a slightly different nuance, while avoiding common errors such as using the phrase in overly broad or unfocused contexts is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avenue of investigation

Focuses on the investigative aspect, highlighting a specific path or direction.

course of investigation

Emphasizes the progression and steps taken during an investigation.

area of investigation

Indicates a specific domain or field being explored.

subject of investigation

Highlights the topic or matter under scrutiny.

research direction

More applicable in academic and scientific contexts, referring to a specific path in research.

investigative approach

Focuses on the method and strategy used for investigating.

exploratory path

Highlights the exploratory nature of the investigation.

method of enquiry

Formal alternative emphasizing systematic questioning and information gathering.

scope of enquiry

Defines the boundaries and limits of the investigation.

focus of study

Highlights the central theme or point of concentration in a study.

FAQs

How can I use "line of inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "line of inquiry" to describe a specific approach to investigate a topic, such as "The detective pursued a new "avenue of investigation" after discovering new evidence."

What are some alternatives to "line of inquiry"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as ""avenue of investigation"", "course of investigation", or "area of investigation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "line of enquiry" the same as "line of inquiry"?

Yes, "line of enquiry" is the British English spelling of "line of inquiry". Both terms are acceptable and refer to the same concept.

What's the difference between "line of inquiry" and "subject of inquiry"?

"Line of inquiry" refers to the method or direction of investigation, while "subject of inquiry" refers to the specific topic or matter being investigated.