the inquiry is whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the inquiry is whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a question or investigation regarding a specific issue or topic. Example: "The inquiry is whether the new policy will improve employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

At the heart of the inquiry is whether the unions sometimes served as a citywide pipeline for ticket-fixing requests.

The New York Times

One aspect of the inquiry is whether a trial of facts should be heard by a judge alone rather than a jury.

The Guardian

A central element of the inquiry is whether the demise of a competitor will increase the buying power of Britain's biggest retailers to unacceptable levels.The fraud at US Foodservice is not an isolated incident.

The Economist

A major question at issue in the inquiry is whether the Russians, should they be culpable, intended the DNC infiltration and subsequent publication to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.

The Guardian - Tech

The FBI director, Robert Mueller, who travelled to Tucson, Arizona, to take charge of the investigation, said that one focus of the inquiry is whether far-right organisations and websites played a role.

The Guardian

At issue in the inquiry is whether the failure in the final six seconds of the test on Jan . 18can be attributed solely to a leak in a pipe carrying frigid nitrogen gas that cools the infrared sensors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In a ruling earlier this week (pdf), Pitchford said: "Matters of importance to the inquiry are whether undercover police operations were directed at politicians, and if so, for what purpose".

The Guardian

The FBI director, Robert Mueller, who travelled to Tucson to take charge of the investigation, said that one focus of the inquiry was whether far-right organisations and websites played a role.

The Guardian

The question at the heart of the inquiry was whether a misclassification allowed Mylan to charge the government more for its product.

Vice

But to the libertarian, the antecedent inquiry is whether the state has any proper role in issuing marriage licenses at all.

Forbes

The focus of the N.C.A.A. inquiry is whether Barkley and other Red Storm players received additional improper benefits.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the inquiry is whether", ensure that the 'whether' clause clearly defines the scope and focus of the investigation or question being posed. This helps maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague or overly broad 'whether' clauses when using "the inquiry is whether". Instead, make sure the clause is specific and directly related to the core issue of the inquiry, preventing misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the inquiry is whether" primarily functions as an introductory phrase setting up a question or focus of investigation. It clearly indicates that the subsequent clause defines the specific issue under examination. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through multiple examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the inquiry is whether" serves as a crucial introductory phrase that establishes a clear and specific focus for an investigation or question. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and scientific domains. While versatile, maintaining a specific 'whether' clause ensures clarity. Related phrases, such as "the question is whether", offer alternative ways to express the same meaning. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "the inquiry is whether" into your writing to guide your audience through complex issues with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the question is whether

Replaces "inquiry" with the more general term "question", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

the investigation concerns whether

Substitutes "inquiry" with "investigation" and rephrases the verb, emphasizing the investigative aspect.

the central issue is whether

Highlights that the focus is on the core problem or matter under consideration.

at issue is whether

Indicates that something is in dispute or under discussion.

the point of contention is whether

Emphasizes the element of disagreement or debate.

the main concern is whether

Highlights the primary worry or area of interest.

a key consideration is whether

Focuses on an important factor to be taken into account.

the crux of the matter is whether

Draws attention to the most important part of the issue.

the debate revolves around whether

Specifies that a discussion or argument centers on a particular point.

the puzzle centers on whether

Highlights a central mystery or problem that requires resolution.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the inquiry is whether" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the investigation concerns whether", or "the central question pertains to whether". These alternatives maintain the meaning while elevating the formality of the language.

What's a simpler way to say "the inquiry is whether"?

A simpler alternative is "the question is whether", which is direct and easily understood in most contexts.

Is it always necessary to use "whether" after "the inquiry is"?

Yes, using "whether" after "the inquiry is" is crucial for expressing a question or condition. Omitting "whether" would change the grammatical structure and meaning of the sentence.

How does "the inquiry is whether" differ from "the inquiry concerns"?

"The inquiry is whether" frames a specific question to be answered, while "the inquiry concerns" introduces the general subject or area of investigation. For example, "the inquiry is whether the policy was effective" asks a direct question, while "the inquiry concerns policy effectiveness" states the topic under review.