they inquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they inquired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group of people asking for information or clarification about something. Example: "During the meeting, they inquired about the project's timeline and budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They inquired about his limp.

The Washington Post

They inquired about wives and children.

The Washington Post

Why, they inquired, was he looking back?

The Guardian

"Are you crazy?" they inquired, rejecting his request.

The Washington Post

When they inquired about the apartments, they were told they were already too late.

The New York Times

"Where were you when you were shit?" they inquired of the Etihad citizenry.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Did they inquire about their fate?

The Economist

"Is it old-fashioned?" they inquire.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What is the approximate date of beginning of next Charlie Chan story?" they inquire of the boss.

The New Yorker

MPs are normally granted access to government facilities into which they inquire.

The Guardian

It is certainly what parents will hear when they inquire about setting up a new school.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they inquired" when you want to convey a sense of formality or politeness in the act of asking questions.

Common error

Avoid using "they inquired" in overly casual contexts where a simpler phrase like "they asked" would be more appropriate. Always consider the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they inquired" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a group of people posed a question or sought information. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they inquired" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a group of people asked a question or sought information, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage leans towards a more formal register, suitable for news, academic, and professional contexts. While "they asked" serves as a simpler alternative, "they inquired" adds a nuance of politeness or officialdom. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility, and understanding its appropriate contexts can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they asked

Simple substitution of "inquired" with a more common synonym.

they questioned

Replaces "inquired" with another synonym, suggesting a more formal or critical tone.

they queried

A more formal synonym for "asked", similar in tone to "inquired".

they wanted to know

An alternative phrasing that expresses the act of seeking information.

they investigated

Implies a more thorough and formal examination than a simple inquiry.

they made inquiries

Transforms the verb into a noun phrase, maintaining the meaning.

they sought information

Focuses on the purpose of the inquiry, which is to obtain information.

they probed

Suggests a deeper, more persistent line of questioning.

they requested details

Highlights the request for specific information.

they put questions to

A more formal and indirect way of saying "they asked".

FAQs

What is an alternative to "they inquired"?

You can use alternatives like "they asked", "they questioned", or "they wanted to know" depending on the context.

Is "they inquired" formal or informal?

The phrase "they inquired" leans towards a more formal register than a simple "they asked". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between the two.

How to use "they inquired" in a sentence?

You can use "they inquired" when referring to a group of people asking for information or clarification about something. For example: "During the meeting, "they inquired" about the project's timeline and budget."

When is it appropriate to use "they inquired" instead of "they asked"?

Use "they inquired" when you want to convey a sense of formality or politeness. "They asked" is suitable for most general contexts, while "they inquired" suggests a more deliberate or official inquiry.