may be inquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be inquired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something can be asked about or questioned. Example: "Any further details regarding the project may be inquired at the front desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

The Guardian - TV & Radio

WikiHow

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Guardian

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Huffington Post

BMC Public Health

The New Yorker

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It indicates that arrangements (up to the de facto constitution of our technology-imbued societies) may be inquired into as to their productivity, without necessarily specifying beforehand what constitutes 'productivity'productivity

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Condon may be right that it isn't "menschy" to be inquiring about the nature of their reporting.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Be inquiring.

WikiHow

Secondly, a few questions were inquired into after delivery, which may create some bias.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Private psychiatry is formidably expensive; for anyone buying health insurance, it may be worth inquiring about psychiatric cover too.

The Guardian

Given that the public conceptualization of nuclear waste underlies the political impasse that in effect perpetuates the storage of radioactive waste under temporary arrangements and threatens the viability as well as future of a significant energy source, it may be instructive to inquire into it more closely.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

It may be simpler to inquire with teachers and school administration about offering these classes as electives or pre-requisites to pursue a Computer Science major.

Huffington Post

For instance, religious leaders may be able to inquire about the absence of withdrawn individuals from religious ceremonies and offer the individuals or their families a religious solution, and community leaders could function as mediators of interpersonal conflicts within the community.

BMC Public Health

You can look for property inspection companies that may be hiring or inquire about opportunities with existing businesses.

WikiHow

"He'd just been "inquiring".

The New Yorker

"We're inquiring into the incident.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "may be inquired" with clearer, more direct alternatives like "can be investigated" or "should be examined" to enhance readability, especially in less formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "may be inquired" excessively in your writing, as it contributes to a passive voice that can make your sentences sound weak and indirect. Opt for active voice constructions where possible to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be inquired" functions as a modal passive construction. The modal verb "may" indicates possibility or permission, while "be inquired" signifies that something can be asked about or investigated. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates something can be questioned.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be inquired" is a grammatically sound, albeit formal, way to indicate that something is open to questioning or investigation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase. While it is relatively infrequent in everyday language, it finds its place in academic, scientific, and official communications. For clearer and more direct communication, especially in informal settings, consider alternatives like "can be asked" or "can be investigated". Be mindful of overusing passive voice to maintain a strong and engaging writing style. Remember that while grammatically correct, overuse may hinder clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be investigated

Replaces the modal verb "may" with "can", implying possibility while "inquired" is replaced with "investigated", focusing on a more formal examination.

could be examined

"Could" suggests a lower probability than "may", while "examined" implies a detailed inspection.

might be researched

"Might" indicates a possibility, and "researched" suggests a more academic or systematic inquiry.

is it possible to investigate

Transforms the phrase into a question format, directly asking about the possibility of investigation.

is subject to investigation

Shifts the focus to the object being investigated, implying a formal process.

is open to question

Indicates that something is not settled and can be questioned or challenged.

warrants further scrutiny

Suggests that something deserves a closer and more critical examination.

is worth exploring

Implies that something is interesting or important enough to be investigated.

merits further study

Similar to "is worth exploring", but more specific to academic or scientific investigation.

calls for an inquiry

Indicates that a situation requires an official investigation.

FAQs

What does "may be inquired" mean?

The phrase "may be inquired" means that something is open to being asked about or investigated. It suggests a possibility or permission to seek further information.

Is "may be inquired" formal or informal?

The phrase "may be inquired" is generally considered formal and is best suited for official, academic, or professional contexts. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "can be asked" might be more appropriate.

What can I say instead of "may be inquired"?

Alternatives to "may be inquired" include "can be asked", "can be investigated", "could be examined", or "is subject to investigation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "may be inquired" in a sentence?

You can use "may be inquired" in sentences such as: "Further details about the project "may be inquired" at the information desk" or "The reasons for the decision "may be inquired" during the next committee meeting".