through enquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through enquiry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of seeking information or investigating a subject. Example: "We aim to improve our services through enquiry and feedback from our customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This instrument, a close derivative of the MIDAS questionnaire [11], discovers the existence of headache as a health problem in the respondent through enquiry into headache-attributed lost time.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Selection of respondents was ad hoc but care was taken to include farmers from different wealth categories; this was achieved by estimating the average herd size in each village through enquiry among villagers and then selecting roughly equal numbers of respondents below and above the average threshold.

Animal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Interview subjects were initially identified through enquiries with members of the International AED working group, and subsequent interviewees were identified through snowball sampling and internet searches.

BMC Health Services Research

Research aims to reach valid conclusions through scientific enquiry.

Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery

Through guided enquiry we began to think and act in disciplinary ways.

The Guardian

Why not simply abandon the idea of God altogether, and focus on improving our understanding of nature through scientific enquiry?

The Guardian - Opinion

In a unique way this poem is a rondo, it comes round to itself; it ends where it begun – back with the personal – in a fascinating arc that passes through speculative enquiry, which is, again, a familiar realm for the sonnet form.

The Guardian - Books

Fluvial flooding events caused by the rainfalls during this period were reported through an enquiry survey.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Salespeople often make use of the time when they are not in the meeting to sit down and talk through an enquiry with me in detail.

Science Magazine

I hope that, from these teachers and organizations, their leadership, members and work -- that may or may not be explicitly theological, but still embodies a living Hindu theology -- I will further my own understanding of Hinduism and how to actualize its potential to realize social justice"........so here is a quintessential Hindu way of understanding one's own dharmic path through self enquiry.

Huffington Post

We did not independently assess the accuracy of the intent accorded through this enquiry.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "through enquiry", ensure the context is appropriate for a formal or semi-formal tone. In more casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "by asking" or "by investigating".

Common error

Avoid using "through enquiry" in informal writing where simpler phrases like "by asking" or "by looking into" would be more appropriate. Using overly formal language in casual contexts can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through enquiry" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to describe the method or means by which an action is carried out. As Ludwig suggests, it indicates that something is achieved or understood by asking questions and seeking information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "through enquiry" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a process of investigation or learning. While Ludwig identifies it as correct and usable, it's important to note that it's relatively rare. It carries a formal and sometimes scientific tone, making it more suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. When writing, ensure the level of formality matches your audience. Consider simpler alternatives like "through investigation" or "by asking" for less formal situations. The phrase appears primarily in Science, News & Media and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through investigation

A slightly more direct alternative, using a synonym for "enquiry".

via investigation

Replaces "enquiry" with the more general term "investigation".

by means of investigation

More formal alternative using "investigation" instead of "enquiry".

using inquiry

Uses the noun "inquiry" to express the same concept.

by way of inquiry

More formal alternative.

through questioning

Highlights the use of questions in the process.

via questioning

Focuses on the act of asking questions as the method.

by dint of investigation

A more emphatic alternative emphasizing the effort involved.

by conducting research

Focuses on the research aspect.

using a survey

Specifies a particular method of inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "through enquiry" in a sentence?

The phrase "through enquiry" is used to describe a process of investigation or learning. For example, "We aim to improve our services "through enquiry" and feedback from our customers."

What's the difference between "through enquiry" and "through investigation"?

"Through enquiry" and "through investigation" are very similar. "Enquiry" tends to imply a more formal or structured process of asking questions or seeking information, while "investigation" can be broader and include other methods of gathering information.

What are some alternatives to "through enquiry"?

Alternatives to "through enquiry" include "via investigation", "by means of inquiry", or "using inquiry", depending on the context.

Is "through enquiry" grammatically correct?

Yes, "through enquiry" is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, noun, or adjective.