provoke inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provoke inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics or actions that stimulate questions or encourage investigation. Example: "The professor's lecture was designed to provoke inquiry among the students, prompting them to explore the subject further."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Before the next face-to-face activity: in this first phase, triggering events to provoke inquiry take place.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

They were "blended" in the course following the theoretical framework that supports authentic learning experiences (A) Before the next face-to-face activity: in this first phase, triggering events to provoke inquiry take place.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The image provokes inquiry and puzzlement how did this happen?

The Economist

AsiaOne reports that the incident provoked inquiry about the level of training received by subway security checkpoint workers.

Huffington Post

At any other club, the £72m lavished on Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi would have provoked an inquiry.

Independent

In a well-known early poem, "The Great Bear," a children's outing to gaze at the night sky provokes an inquiry into meaning and chaos.

The New York Times - Books

"It was certainly a questionable CAT scan and should have provoked additional inquiry at the very least," a lawyer for Johnson's family, Richard L. Giampa, said.

The New York Times - Sports

That would keep the country out of the arms of the IMF, and also end the reputation of Mr Kubilius's coalition government for dithering.Merely highlighting the scale of the problem should provoke similar inquiries elsewhere.

The Economist

The chief of staff of the German armed forces resigned over accusations that the German military withheld information about the civilian deaths, and the case provoked an inquiry in Germany's Parliament.

The New York Times

The evidence unearthed by the Guardian may open the door to hundreds more legal actions by victims of News Group, the Murdoch company that publishes the News of the World and the Sun, as well as provoking police inquiries into reporters who were involved and the senior executives responsible for them.

The Guardian

Today, the Guardian reveals details of the suppressed evidence, which may open the door to hundreds more legal actions by victims of News Group, the Murdoch company that publishes the News of the World and the Sun, as well as provoking police inquiries into reporters who were involved and the senior executives responsible for them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provoke inquiry" when you want to express that something encourages a deeper look or further questioning. This is particularly effective in academic or investigative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "provoke inquiry" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "spark curiosity" or "raise questions" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provoke inquiry" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating that something instigates or stimulates an investigation or questioning. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provoke inquiry" is used to describe the act of stimulating investigation or questioning. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, albeit more commonly encountered in formal contexts such as news, media, and scientific discourse. While it may not be the most frequent expression, understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, as well as knowing suitable alternatives, can enrich one's vocabulary and enhance clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stimulate investigation

Focuses more on prompting a formal or systematic examination.

spark curiosity

Emphasizes generating interest and a desire to learn more.

prompt questions

Directly highlights the act of causing questions to arise.

incite investigation

Suggests a more forceful or urgent need for inquiry.

foster curiosity

Indicates nurturing or encouraging a sense of inquisitiveness.

trigger investigation

Highlights setting off or initiating an investigative process.

motivate questioning

Emphasizes the element of providing a reason to ask questions.

inspire questions

Implies a more elevated or creative prompting of questions.

generate interest

Focuses on creating a broader sense of attraction and engagement.

elicit questions

Focuses on drawing out or obtaining questions from someone.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "provoke inquiry" in a sentence?

To effectively use "provoke inquiry", ensure the subject genuinely stimulates investigation or questioning. For instance, "The unusual findings "provoke inquiry" into the effectiveness of the treatment."

What are some alternatives to "provoke inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "spark curiosity", "prompt questions", or "stimulate investigation" depending on the context.

Is "provoke inquiry" suitable for formal or informal writing?

"Provoke inquiry" is more suitable for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "raise questions" or "make you wonder".

What's the difference between "provoke inquiry" and "raise concerns"?

"Provoke inquiry" means to stimulate investigation or questioning, while "raise concerns" means to cause worry or anxiety. They are not interchangeable.