this line of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this line of inquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific approach or method of investigation or research. Example: "In this paper, we will explore this line of inquiry to better understand the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He disdained this line of inquiry.

The Guardian - Books

But the report doesn't push this line of inquiry.

The New York Times

He concludes that this line of inquiry should be worthwhile.

Independent

Why did Harris pursue this line of inquiry?

The New Yorker

Mayweather, quite reasonably, objected to this line of inquiry.

The New Yorker

I'm hoping that Fearne will pursue this line of inquiry.

The Guardian - Film

But this line of inquiry, too, is not developed.

The New York Times

But I believe that Mueller will keep pursuing this line of inquiry.

The New Yorker

You encounter this line of inquiry, and the question of ownership, more frequently than you'd think.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was nothing unequivocal from Smith, who eventually began to tire of this line of inquiry.

The Guardian - Sport

I quickly abandoned this line of inquiry and decided to take my investigation to the streets instead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this line of inquiry" to clearly signal a specific investigative approach or method being discussed. This helps maintain focus and clarity in your writing.

Common error

While useful, frequent repetition of "this line of inquiry" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "this approach" or "this avenue of investigation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this line of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It refers to a specific method, direction, or approach to investigation or questioning. Ludwig's examples show it used to introduce, continue, or conclude an investigative path.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this line of inquiry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to pinpoint a specific method or direction of investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, demonstrating its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic writing. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives such as "this approach" or "this avenue of investigation". The phrase is suitable for formal contexts, ensuring clarity and focus in your writing. Remember to use it judiciously and avoid overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this avenue of investigation

Replaces "line of inquiry" with "avenue of investigation", suggesting a path or direction of exploration.

this course of investigation

Substitutes "line" with "course", implying a sequence of actions or steps in the investigative process.

this approach to research

Focuses on the research aspect, indicating a specific method or strategy used for investigation.

this train of thought

Shifts the focus to the mental process of reasoning and deduction, rather than a formal inquiry.

this investigative path

Combines "investigative" with "path", emphasizing the journey or route taken during the inquiry.

this research direction

Highlights the orientation or focus of the research being conducted.

this particular question

Narrows the scope to a specific question that is being asked or examined.

this area of study

Emphasizes the field or subject being explored, often in an academic context.

this angle of investigation

Suggests a specific perspective or viewpoint from which the inquiry is approached.

this focus of research

Highlights the main emphasis or central theme of the research efforts.

FAQs

How can I use "this line of inquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "this line of inquiry" to introduce a specific method or approach in an investigation, as in, "This line of inquiry pointed to new evidence in the case."

What are some alternatives to "this line of inquiry"?

Alternatives include "this avenue of investigation", "this approach to research", or "this train of thought", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "this line of inquiry" in formal writing?

Yes, "this line of inquiry" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, and professional contexts. It clearly conveys the idea of a specific investigative path.

When should I avoid using "this line of inquiry"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "this line of inquiry" in very informal contexts or when simpler language would suffice. In casual conversation, alternatives like "this idea" or "this question" might be more appropriate.