objects of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

'objects of inquiry' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that is being investigated. For example, "This project seeks to analyze the various objects of inquiry related to human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

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

The New Yorker

Like the parrotfish, flicking their blue tails around him, his objects of inquiry would ultimately get away.

The Economist

Perhaps most notably, Hegel argued that "our objects of inquiry are not 'truth' or 'meaning' but rather configurations of consciousness.

The Guardian

2) The imitative arts positively direct a soul toward appearances, away from proper objects of inquiry.

SEP

Stewart's research team acknowledges these objects of inquiry as "thickly" described meaning that value concepts are part of their descriptions.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 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

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

The Guardian - Business

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

Indeed, so fertile is this idea, so appealing is it as an object of inquiry, we may even speak of a distinct category of recent books devoted to elaborations of it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "objects of inquiry", ensure that the context clearly defines what these objects are and why they are significant to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "objects of inquiry" without clearly specifying what those objects are. Vague references can make your writing seem unfocused and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "objects of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows it identifies the specific items, topics, or concepts that are being investigated or examined in a particular context. The phrase signals a focus on the specific targets of research or analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "objects of inquiry" is a noun phrase used to denote the specific items, topics, or concepts under investigation, most commonly used in formal and academic contexts, according to Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and serves to clarify the focus of research or analysis. While alternatives like ""subjects of investigation"" or "topics of investigation" can be used, "objects of inquiry" often implies a more structured or scientific approach. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what these objects are to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subjects of investigation

This alternative focuses on the act of investigating, highlighting what is being examined.

topics of investigation

This alternative emphasizes the themes or subjects that are being investigated.

matters of investigation

This alternative highlights the issues or problems that are being investigated.

areas of study

This alternative emphasizes the specific fields or disciplines being explored.

points of analysis

This alternative emphasizes the particular aspects or elements that are being analyzed.

foci of research

This alternative highlights the central themes or concerns that research is centered on.

subjects of scrutiny

This alternative focuses on the act of examining something critically and carefully.

targets of research

This alternative portrays the subjects as targets to be explored thoroughly.

issues under consideration

This alternative emphasizes that the subjects are currently being thought about or discussed.

themes for exploration

This alternative highlights the broad themes or ideas that are being investigated.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "objects of inquiry", clearly define what these objects are and their relevance to your research or discussion. For example, "The primary "subjects of investigation" in this study are the effects of social media on political polarization".

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""subjects of investigation"", "topics of investigation", or "matters of investigation".

Is it more appropriate to use "objects of inquiry" or "subjects of inquiry"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "subjects of inquiry" might be more common in general usage. "Objects of inquiry" often implies a more formal or academic context.

How does "objects of inquiry" differ from "areas of study"?

"Objects of inquiry" specifically refers to the items or topics being investigated, while "areas of study" refers to the broader field or discipline in which the investigation takes place. For example, within the area of study of sociology, the objects of inquiry might be specific social behaviors.