sphere of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sphere of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific area or domain of investigation or research. Example: "In the sphere of inquiry related to climate change, researchers are exploring various factors that contribute to global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pereira also claimed that natural philosophy was not capable of delineating its own sphere of inquiry, something which was possible for other disciplines such as logic and metaphysics.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If you know what moral ends you're driving at, then clearly science can be of assistance in your quest; the idea that the two spheres of inquiry never overlap is obscurantist and silly.

The New York Times

Developed by Franco Moretti, the Stanford lit-crit iconoclast, distance reading exponentially widens the sphere of literary inquiry by running plotlines, grammar, and so on through computer programs that can process far more information than any one person could read in a lifetime, opening the book to big-picture-type discoveries.

The New Yorker

Family entrepreneurship as a field of inquiry is suffering the consequences of conceptual dualisms rendering 'family' and 'business', 'kinship' and 'economy,'privatete,' and 'public' as distinct social and economic spheres.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

This remains an active area of inquiry.

ACS Chemical Biology

Unlike the next generation, he expected all spheres of philosophical inquiry to open up to his investigation and his philosophy extended to all spheres: logic, metaphysics, ethics, political thought, aesthetics, education.

SEP

Two other lines of inquiry remain open.

Independent

Here two lines of inquiry developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also, a podcast with Point of Inquiry.

The New York Times

Here are some potential areas of inquiry.

The New York Times

International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sphere of inquiry", ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries and focus of the investigation. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clear scope for the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "sphere of inquiry" when the investigation lacks a specific focus or defined limits. Using it in such contexts can make the writing seem vague and unfocused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sphere of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase that designates a specific domain or area within which investigation or questioning takes place. Ludwig shows this phrase is used to delineate the scope of philosophical, scientific, or literary investigations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sphere of inquiry" is a noun phrase used to denote a specific domain or area of investigation, as validated by Ludwig. It is deemed grammatically correct and suitable for formal and scientific contexts, as its use is most frequent in science, news, and encyclopedia sources. Alternative phrases such as ""field of investigation"" and ""area of investigation"" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "sphere of inquiry", it's important to ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries of the investigation to avoid ambiguity, ensuring precise and focused communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

field of investigation

Focuses on the practical aspect of an investigation, rather than the abstract conceptual space.

area of investigation

Emphasizes a specific delimited space in which the investigation takes place.

line of investigation

Highlights a particular method or direction pursued in an inquiry.

scope of investigation

Refers to the breadth and depth of the examination.

realm of inquiry

Suggests a broader, more abstract domain of questioning and discovery.

domain of investigation

Highlights the controlled or specific area of expertise or study under examination.

avenue of inquiry

Highlights possible ways for discovering more about a topic.

subject of investigation

Focuses on the topic at the center of the research.

focus of investigation

Centers on the main theme under examination, indicating a narrower approach.

framework for inquiry

Refers to the conceptual structure or guidelines used in the investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "sphere of inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "sphere of inquiry" to define the scope of a specific investigation or research area. For instance, "The ethical implications fall outside the "sphere of inquiry" for this study".

What are some alternatives to "sphere of inquiry"?

Alternatives include "field of investigation", "area of investigation", or "line of investigation", each emphasizing a different aspect of the investigative process.

How does "sphere of inquiry" differ from "scope of inquiry"?

"Sphere of inquiry" refers to the conceptual area or domain being investigated, while "scope of inquiry" refers to the breadth or depth of the investigation within that area.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "sphere of inquiry"?

It is appropriate in academic writing, scientific research, and formal discussions where defining the boundaries of an investigation or area of study is crucial.