make an inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are asking a question or requesting information from someone. Example sentence: I need to make an inquiry about the availability of tickets for the show.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Hundreds of others trudged by, stopping occasionally to make an inquiry.

The New York Times

Asked if the Knicks would make an inquiry, Thomas chose his words carefully.

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll make an inquiry of Major League Baseball to find out what they have to tell us about the background".

The New York Times - Sports

Jean-Raphael Peytregnet, a consulate spokesman, said the embassy was unaware of the issue but added: "If it is really a problem, there are a lot of other ways to explain it to us and make an inquiry".

The New York Times

Jean-Raphael Peytregnet, a spokesman for the French consulate, said that the embassy had no knowledge of the issue but added, "If it is really a problem, there are a lot of other ways to explain it to us and make an inquiry.

The New York Times

Clearly, unless a learner is willing to make an inquiry, results cannot match acceptable outcomes.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Only one company made an inquiry".

The New York Times - Arts

United have made an inquiry to Southampton about him.

The Guardian - Sport

Im made an inquiry and was told that there was a rest room upstairs.

The New Yorker

Mr. Black made an inquiry on Mr. Kahlow's behalf, and a Google engineer investigated.

The New York Times

Now, if someone makes an inquiry it often doesn't turn into a rental".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your communication when choosing between "make an inquiry" and more direct alternatives like "ask" or "request."

Common error

Avoid using "make an inquiry" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "ask" or "find out" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an inquiry" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of asking a question or seeking information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show it used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an inquiry" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the act of asking a question or requesting information, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While correct, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media, and science contexts. It's important to consider your audience when using this phrase, as simpler terms may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember that "make an inquiry" is generally neutral to professional and on the formal side. When in doubt, simpler alternatives such as "ask a question" or "seek information" may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask a question

This alternative is more direct and informal.

seek information

This option is more formal and emphasizes the act of searching for details.

request details

This is a more formal and specific way of asking for information.

investigate

This suggests a more thorough examination or fact-finding process.

look into

This phrase is less formal and implies a preliminary investigation.

conduct research

This alternative emphasizes a systematic and in-depth investigation.

file a query

This phrase is more technical and often used in formal or official contexts.

lodge a question

This is a more formal and less common way of saying "ask a question".

put a question

This alternative is a more direct, albeit slightly less common, way to ask something.

raise an issue

This suggests bringing up a topic for discussion or investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "make an inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "make an inquiry" to indicate asking a question or requesting information. For example, "I need to "make an inquiry" about the status of my application".

What is a more formal way to say "make an inquiry"?

More formal alternatives include "submit a query" or "request further details". These phrases are suitable for official correspondence or formal reports.

Which is correct, "make an inquiry" or "do an inquiry"?

"Make an inquiry" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Do an inquiry" is less idiomatic.

What can I say instead of "make an inquiry"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ask a question", "seek information", or "request details".