several lines of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several lines of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing multiple approaches or methods of investigation into a particular subject or issue. Example: "In our research, we pursued several lines of inquiry to better understand the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Last night detectives said they were following up several lines of inquiry.

The Guardian

Researchers at the N.I.H. are pursing several lines of inquiry, including the possibility of bacterial persistence.

The New Yorker

Detectives said they were following up several lines of inquiry, and an all-ports alert remained in place.

The Guardian

Durham said police continued to pursue several lines of inquiry as well as the incident being a potential terror attack.

The Guardian

But Congress has opened several lines of inquiry into the mission, and holding individuals accountable is part of the agenda.

The New York Times

Police, who said they were following several lines of inquiry, say the flat had been burgled a week earlier when a laptop was taken.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The police spokesman said an autopsy was being conducted and detectives were "following up several lines of inquiries," but he declined to provide additional details.

The New York Times

Precise dates for the sediments at these archaeological sites are important for several lines of multidisciplinary inquiry, including the role of Middle-Late Pleistocene climate on landscape change and water availability, variations in material culture and the adaptations in populations of anatomically modern humans (AMH) in the Sahara.

Quaternary International

All three projects revealed fascinating insights into the lifestyle of these ancients and answered several lines of anthropological inquiry.

Cancer Imaging

Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis.

Wikipedia

Several lines of evidences confirmed this hypothesis.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing investigative processes, use "several lines of inquiry" to clearly indicate that multiple, distinct approaches are being pursued, rather than a single, linear path.

Common error

Avoid using "several lines of inquiry" when you actually mean potential distractions or "red herrings". A line of inquiry is a genuine investigative path, not a false lead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several lines of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., pursue, follow, open) to describe the act of investigating different possibilities, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several lines of inquiry" is a noun phrase indicating that multiple, distinct approaches are being taken to investigate a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news, media, and scientific writing. While it's a relatively uncommon phrase, its formal tone makes it suitable for professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the multifaceted nature of the investigation and that each line of inquiry represents a genuine investigative path, not a distraction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple avenues of investigation

Emphasizes different paths or directions taken during an investigation.

various research paths

Focuses on the exploratory nature of research and the different routes taken.

different investigative approaches

Highlights the distinct methods used in an investigation.

numerous investigative threads

Suggests multiple interconnected elements being explored in an investigation.

several investigative angles

Highlights that there are different points of view in an investigation.

multiple streams of investigation

Underscores the parallel and independent nature of different investigative efforts.

various courses of action

Focuses on the procedures and steps taken when dealing with a case.

different tracks of enquiry

Illustrates the sense of tracking leads and following them through in an investigation.

various strategies for research

Indicates the use of different action plans that are employed when conducting research.

multiple approaches to problem-solving

Emphasizes different methods used to find and reduce a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "several lines of inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "several lines of inquiry" to describe a situation where multiple investigative paths are being explored. For example, "The detectives are pursuing several lines of inquiry to solve the case."

What's a more formal alternative to "several lines of inquiry"?

A more formal alternative could be "multiple avenues of investigation" or "various investigative approaches". These phrases maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it correct to say "several lines of enquiry" instead of "several lines of inquiry"?

Yes, "several lines of enquiry" is an acceptable alternative, particularly in British English. Both spellings are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "several lines of inquiry"?

It is appropriate to use "several lines of inquiry" when you want to emphasize that there are multiple, distinct approaches being taken to investigate or understand a particular issue or problem.