preliminary inquiries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary inquiries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to initial investigations or questions that are conducted before a more detailed examination or analysis. Example: "The police conducted preliminary inquiries to gather information before launching a full investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The commission is not required to finish its preliminary inquiries within a specific time period.

The New York Times

Preliminary inquiries indicate Taylor's death was not heat related but might have been a heart attack.

The New York Times - Sports

In no circumstance will these preliminary inquiries be made public, due to procedural reasons.

Independent

The pension systems said that so far Fletcher has fully cooperated with their preliminary inquiries.

The New York Times

There are preliminary inquiries in areas outside of Africa, including Colombia and Afghanistan.

The New York Times

The pension systems said that Mr. Fletcher had fully cooperated with their preliminary inquiries.

The New York Times

The Feaster crash was reported, but the government never investigated it, beyond some preliminary inquiries by the local police.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The House has said it will begin a "preliminary inquiry".

The New York Times

It will decide by 25 July whether to launch a preliminary inquiry.

The Guardian - Business

Baupin resigned this week as deputy speaker of parliament and a judicial preliminary inquiry was opened.

The Guardian

Also, it cannot even do a preliminary inquiry against higher echelons of government without permission.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary inquiries", ensure that the context clearly indicates that these are initial steps before a more comprehensive investigation or action.

Common error

Avoid presenting the results of "preliminary inquiries" as conclusive findings. Clearly state that further investigation may be required to confirm or refute initial indications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary inquiries" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of making initial investigations. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary inquiries" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe the initial steps in an investigation or fact-finding process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in written English. With a high frequency of occurrence, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it's essential to use this phrase accurately, ensuring clarity in differentiating it from a full investigation. Remember to avoid presenting findings from "preliminary inquiries" as conclusive without further evidence. Alternatives such as "initial investigations" or "early assessments" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial investigations

Replaces "inquiries" with "investigations", focusing on the investigative aspect.

initial assessments

Substitutes "inquiries" with "assessments", emphasizing the evaluation aspect.

early investigations

Uses "early" instead of "preliminary" to describe the stage of investigations.

initial fact-finding

Replaces "inquiries" with "fact-finding", highlighting the information-gathering process.

preliminary assessments

Uses "assessments" instead of "inquiries", focusing on the evaluation of available information.

early due diligence

Replaces the term with a more business-oriented phrase.

scoping exercises

Replaces the term with a phrase indicating the scope of activity involved.

exploratory probes

Substitutes both words for synonyms, highlighting the exploratory nature.

reconnaissance missions

Uses a more militaristic term, indicating preliminary information gathering.

introductory studies

Emphasizes the introductory aspect of the investigations.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "preliminary inquiries"?

The phrase "preliminary inquiries" refers to the initial steps taken to gather information and investigate a matter before a more thorough and formal investigation is launched. These inquiries are typically exploratory and aim to determine if further action is warranted.

How do you use "preliminary inquiries" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary inquiries" in a sentence like this: "The police conducted "preliminary inquiries" to determine if there was enough evidence to open a formal investigation."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary inquiries"?

Some alternatives to "preliminary inquiries" include "initial investigations", "early assessments", or "initial fact-finding". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Are "preliminary inquiries" the same as a full investigation?

No, "preliminary inquiries" are not the same as a full investigation. They are the first steps taken to gather information, while a full investigation is a more detailed and comprehensive examination of the matter.