specific inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular question or investigation that is focused on a certain topic or issue. Example: "In order to address the concerns raised by the community, we will conduct a specific inquiry into the environmental impact of the proposed project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A grand-jury investigation, like a criminal trial, is a specific inquiry into a narrow set of facts.

The New Yorker

To date, however, there has been no specific inquiry as to how those with autism and a learning disability may fare.

The Guardian

Asked whether the state will review the patients' complaints, Ms. Smith said the agency was obligated to investigate allegations of conduct that may endanger patients, but that confidentiality rules prevented public disclosure of any specific inquiry.

The New York Times

What is required is a very specific inquiry into the the activities at the News and the World and News Int in relation to hacking in particular and its news-gathering techniques in general.

The Guardian

Moreover, the lack of central infrastructure calls for more specific inquiry.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A Go-Lab scenario is a domain-independent description of a specific inquiry approach.

Smart Learning Environments

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Do I have the right to make specific inquiries about the financial status of the co-op and to review the co-op's books?... Jon Medwick, Manhattan.

The New York Times

Surfers can get answers to surprisingly specific inquiries -- like whether the view from a particular cabin on a certain ship is obstructed.

The New York Times - Travel

Herock then huddles one on one with prospects, helping them rehearse responses to specific inquiries, particularly those dealing with past troubles.

The New York Times - Sports

In Logic Without Metaphysics (1957) he defended a naturalistic interpretation of logic, denying the ontological necessity of logico-mathematical principles and arguing that they must be understood according to their function in specific inquiries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The context is that in recent months there have been a series of specific inquiries to the N.I.H. from Congressional committee members, through their staffs in particular, asking about specific grants and specific grantees based apparently on the content of those grants".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific inquiry", ensure that the context clearly indicates the precise subject or area being investigated. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specific inquiry" when the investigation or question is actually broad or exploratory. Using it in such cases can mislead readers about the focus and depth of the investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific inquiry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting a particular question or investigation that is focused on a defined subject. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific inquiry" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is employed to describe a focused or targeted investigation, question, or examination. The phrase finds frequent use in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. When employing "specific inquiry", ensure the context clearly conveys the precise subject under investigation to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "detailed investigation" or "targeted investigation" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed investigation

Replaces "inquiry" with "investigation" and adds the adjective "detailed" for emphasis, focusing on the thoroughness of the examination.

focused investigation

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the concentration and direction of the investigation.

particular investigation

Substitutes "specific" with "particular", maintaining a similar level of precision.

targeted investigation

Implies a precise aim or target for the investigation, highlighting its defined scope.

precise examination

Replaces "inquiry" with "examination" and "specific" with "precise", focusing on accuracy and detail.

narrowed focus of inquiry

Emphasizes the reduction of scope in the inquiry, indicating a more limited area of examination.

specialized investigation

Highlights the specialized nature of the investigation, implying expertise or unique methods.

defined inquiry

Focuses on the well-defined nature of the inquiry, emphasizing its clear boundaries and objectives.

circumscribed investigation

Indicates that the investigation has been carefully limited in scope, suggesting a focused approach.

limited line of questioning

Specifically refers to the scope of questioning, highlighting its restricted nature and target.

FAQs

How can I use "specific inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "specific inquiry" to describe a detailed question or investigation focused on a certain topic. For example: "The committee launched a "specific inquiry" into the allegations of misconduct."

What can I say instead of "specific inquiry"?

You can use alternatives like "detailed investigation", "focused investigation", or "targeted investigation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "specific inquiry" or "general inquiry"?

"Specific inquiry" and "general inquiry" are both correct, but they have different meanings. A "specific inquiry" is focused on a particular issue, while a general inquiry is broader in scope.

What's the difference between "specific inquiry" and "detailed investigation"?

While similar, a ""specific inquiry"" emphasizes the focused nature of the question or investigation, whereas a "detailed investigation" highlights the thoroughness and depth of the examination.