subject of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"subject of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular topic or idea that is under investigation or being discussed. For example: "The subject of inquiry at the recent town hall meeting was the proposed zoning changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The fate of Enron employees' retirement accounts provides a second broad subject of inquiry.

The New York Times

Bernard J. Ebbers, WorldCom's former chief executive, is one obvious subject of inquiry.

The New York Times

Character was an unavoidable subject of inquiry for a book which charts Labour's second and third terms in office.

The Guardian - Opinion

British Muslim communities were often the subject of inquiry and suspicion, but were rarely allowed space to express exactly how they felt about it.

The Guardian

MPs who have been the subject of inquiry have protested that they don't know of the complaint until they read about it in the press.

The Guardian

"This appears to be an accusation of private, alleged consensual conduct between adults — a subject matter which is not a proper subject of inquiry by the media or the public," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The existing theoretical concepts need to be expanded to better explain the uniqueness of women entrepreneurship as a subject of research inquiry.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Dick Bavetta, who was a subject of inquiries by federal agents last summer, was the lead referee for Game 5 at Staples Center.

The New York Times

The purchase – made by a former board and widely derided as disastrous – has since been the subject of inquiries and controversies.

The Guardian

The Guardian has been given the names of a number of men who were allegedly the subject of inquiries at Goldsmiths between 2013 and 2014 following complaints from students about harassment and sexual misconduct.

The Guardian

Shares had fallen by two-thirds before Enron became the subject of inquiries from the Securities and Exchange Commission, the event that Andersen sees as the moment when document destruction that is normally allowed should have stopped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, define the "subject of inquiry" early in your writing, providing context and scope for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "subject of inquiry" in casual conversations; opt for simpler terms like "topic" or "issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, denoting a specific topic under investigation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subject of inquiry" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that refers to a specific topic or matter that is being investigated or discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is most appropriate in formal contexts like academic papers, legal documents, and professional reports, as it conveys a level of specificity and formality. While the phrase is considered correct and usable, simpler alternatives may be more suitable in informal settings. Its function is to formally identify and designate a specific area for examination, research, or detailed discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theme of inquiry

Replaces "subject" with "theme", focusing on the central topic.

issue of inquiry

Substitutes "subject" with "issue", emphasizing a point of concern or debate.

topic of investigation

Replaces "inquiry" with "investigation", suggesting a more formal or structured examination.

matter under consideration

Emphasizes the act of deliberation or thought given to a specific topic.

focus of study

Highlights the academic or research-oriented aspect of the subject.

area of examination

Indicates a specific domain or scope being scrutinized.

point of analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect, where something is being broken down and studied.

research focus

Emphasizes the direction of research being conducted.

object of study

Focuses on the target or item being researched or analyzed.

the question at hand

Refers to the specific query or problem being addressed.

FAQs

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

Use "subject of inquiry" to refer to a specific topic being investigated. For example, "The main "theme of inquiry" in this study is the impact of social media on political discourse".

What's a simpler alternative to "subject of inquiry"?

Alternatives include "topic", "issue", or "matter", depending on the specific context. "Topic" is generally a more informal and widely applicable substitute.

In what kind of writing is "subject of inquiry" most appropriate?

"Subject of inquiry" is best suited for formal writing, such as academic papers, legal documents, and professional reports. Using it in informal contexts might sound unnatural.

Is there a difference between "subject of inquiry" and "subject of enquiry"?

The phrases are interchangeable, with "inquiry" being more common in American English and "enquiry" in British English. Choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience.