outside inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outside inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to investigations or questions that are conducted externally or beyond a certain scope, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The committee decided to seek outside inquiry to ensure an unbiased assessment of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

She and other relatives have called for an outside inquiry.

The New York Times

She and other Democrats said they would continue to insist on an outside inquiry.

The New York Times

Representative Dick Armey of Texas, the House majority leader, said he opposed an outside inquiry.

The New York Times

He said he had not called for an outside inquiry, though he was in touch with state lawmakers, as well as Representative Edolphus Towns.

The New York Times

Mr. Browne added that to his knowledge, no outside inquiry — such as by a prosecutor's office or other government agency — into the department's crime-reporting systems existed.

The New York Times

Scott McClellan, the White House spokesman, said the administration did not want any outside inquiry until the Iraq Survey Group finished its work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Teachers said school officials were obsessed with fending off outside inquiries.

The New York Times

Many state and city leaders have remained silent on the matter, while others said they would wait for results of the outside inquiries.

The New York Times

After the Abramoff scandal was brought to light in 2004, Greenberg Traurig ordered Mr. Abramoff from his office, conducted an internal investigation into his conduct, began working with clients he had misled, and cooperated with outside inquiries.

The New York Times

Ms. Reno, who has repeatedly rebuffed requests for outside inquiries of Mr. Clinton and Mr. Gore, testified that she had made judgments on the basis of the facts and her interpretation of the independent counsel law.

The New York Times

On two previous occasions, Ms. Reno rejected advice to seek an outside criminal inquiry of Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When calling for an "outside inquiry", clearly define the scope, objectives, and expected outcomes to ensure the investigation remains focused and effective.

Common error

Don't assume an "outside inquiry" will automatically be seen as credible. Ensure the investigators have impeccable credentials and a proven track record of impartiality to avoid skepticism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outside inquiry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, especially in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes an investigation conducted by an external entity, often to ensure impartiality or access specialized expertise. When using this phrase, ensure the scope and objectives of the inquiry are clearly defined. While it is common, verify that the investigators have suitable credentials to prevent credibility issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

External investigation

Emphasizes the external nature of the investigation.

Independent investigation

Highlights the independence of the investigative body.

Third-party investigation

Focuses on the involvement of a neutral third party.

Independent review

Stresses the impartial assessment of a situation.

External audit

Specifically refers to a financial or operational review by an outside entity.

Outside audit

Alternative for external audit.

Independent assessment

Focuses on an unbiased evaluation.

Independent audit

Specifically refers to an audit performed by an independent body.

Public inquiry

Implies a formal investigation open to the public.

External examination

Highlights a detailed scrutiny conducted by an external party.

FAQs

How to use "outside inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "outside inquiry" to describe a situation where an investigation is conducted by someone external to the organization or group involved. For example, "The family called for an "outside inquiry" into the police department's handling of the case".

What can I say instead of "outside inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "external investigation", "independent review", or "third-party investigation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "outside inquiry" or "internal inquiry"?

Both "outside inquiry" and "internal inquiry" are correct, but they refer to different types of investigations. An "outside inquiry" is conducted by an external party, while an "internal inquiry" is conducted by someone within the organization.

What's the difference between "outside inquiry" and "independent investigation"?

While the terms are similar, "independent investigation" emphasizes the impartiality of the investigation, whereas "outside inquiry" simply highlights that the investigation is being conducted by an external entity.