object of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"object of inquiry" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in scholarly or technical writing to denote the subject of a study or investigation. For example, you might write, "The object of inquiry in this study is to examine the effects of climate change on species diversity in the Arctic tundra."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

For this study, Fuller would serve both as the researcher and as the object of inquiry.

The New Yorker

In each of these well-meant pieces, the object of inquiry was not in fact policy, but the authors themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

The object of inquiry here is not actually Whitlam nor is it the extraordinary social and political circumstances that led to his election.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is defined by its tools of analysis (mathematical models mostly involving optimisation and equilibrium), rather than the object of inquiry.

The Guardian - Business

Because, as the censors might be surprised to find, these theorists want to leave open the question of what race is — if there is such a thing — rather than assuming it as a natural object of inquiry.

The New York Times

In these moments of conversation, when the critic's object of inquiry comes to life, "The Next Next Level" reveals itself as a book about something other than one friend's fetishization of another.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Moreover, we are all finite cognitive agents, i.e. something will always be missing in our assumptions about every object of research inquiry.

European Journal of Futures Research

They were objects of inquiry, tools in a policy argument.

The New York Times - Books

Bukatman treats comics as serious objects of inquiry.

Stanford University

In many photos, the cameras themselves are the objects of inquiry.

The New Yorker

The inner circle of the diagram represents the material or objects of inquiry of molecular evolution: DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "object of inquiry" in formal writing, especially when referring to academic research or systematic investigations. Ensure it accurately reflects the central focus of your study.

Common error

Avoid using "object of inquiry" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "topic" or "subject" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a preposition in a sentence. It identifies the specific entity, concept, or phenomenon under investigation, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples across various academic and professional sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "object of inquiry" is a noun phrase used to denote the specific subject or focus of an investigation, study, or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most appropriate for formal contexts like science, academia, and news media, where clarity and precision are essential. While "object of inquiry" is a common phrase, simpler alternatives like "topic" or "subject" may be preferable in informal settings. Understanding its proper usage and context will enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of investigation

Focuses on the investigative aspect, implying a formal or official examination.

focus of study

Highlights the academic or research-oriented nature of the investigation.

topic of research

Emphasizes the research-based nature, suitable for academic contexts.

area of investigation

Indicates a broader scope, referring to a general field rather than a specific item.

matter under consideration

Suggests a deliberative process, often used in legal or policy contexts.

point of analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect, implying a detailed examination.

subject matter

A more general term for the topic being discussed or studied.

issue at hand

Often used in problem-solving contexts, referring to the specific problem being addressed.

central theme

Emphasizes the core idea or concept being explored.

research question

Specifically refers to the question that the research aims to answer.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "object of inquiry" in a sentence?

Use "object of inquiry" to denote the specific subject or focus of a formal investigation, study, or analysis. For example, "The "object of inquiry" in this study is the impact of social media on political polarization."

What are some alternatives to "object of inquiry"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "subject of investigation", "focus of study", or "topic of research". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is "object of inquiry" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "object of inquiry" is generally more suitable for formal, academic, or scientific writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms such as "topic" or "subject" are often more appropriate.

What is the difference between "object of inquiry" and "subject matter"?

"Object of inquiry" specifically refers to the focus of a systematic investigation or study. "Subject matter" is a broader term that refers to the general topic or content being discussed or studied.