topic of inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"topic of inquiry" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It refers to the subject or issue that is being investigated or studied. Example: The topic of inquiry for our research project is the effect of social media on youth mental health.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Association has remained a central topic of inquiry in psychology ever since.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That Gillman's current topic of inquiry is my wife (whom it sarcastically calls "your sweetie").

The New York Times - Tech

The exact process of change would then become the topic of inquiry.

Princeton University

The role ethnic identification plays in worker perceptions of workplace dynamics in child welfare services (CWS) organizations has not often been a topic of inquiry.

Children and Youth Services Review

For many, of course, it is precisely this quality of mass popularity that long made them seem suspect as a topic of inquiry: childish stuff, on a level with superheroes.

The Guardian - Books

It can be argued that he considered an algorithm to be that which, in mathematics, embodies the transformations that are at play everywhere in the cosmos thus his philosophical reflections on mathematics related to the concept of "change" as a main topic of inquiry in China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Although our results concentrated upon a relatively simple set of initial topics of inquiry, the survey revealed a number of interesting findings.

Land Use Policy

Two required seminar sessions for doctoral students to help develop or refine topics of inquiry for research.

Columbia University

Her research program currently spans primarily four topics of inquiry: (1) Understanding the interplay between viral evolution and the epidemiological spread of viral infectious diseases.

Harvard University

4. Because knowledge is produced by societies i.e., knowledge is the result of collaboration among and validation by a community of inquirers the standards used to evaluate knowledge claims and to identify legitimate topics of inquiry are socially determined, not absolute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This article will merely scratch the surface of this rich tradition by sketching out some key topics of inquiry and conflicting models representative of mainstream interpretative orientations.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "topic of inquiry" in formal writing contexts, such as academic papers or official reports, to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "topic of inquiry" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "subject" or "issue" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic of inquiry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the specific subject or area that is being investigated or examined, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topic of inquiry" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to denote the subject under investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness, particularly in formal contexts such as science, academia, and news media. While interchangeable with alternatives like "subject of investigation" or "area of study", it should be avoided in casual conversation. To ensure effective communication, use it in formal settings to clearly define the scope of your research or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of investigation

Replaces "inquiry" with "investigation", focusing on the act of examining something systematically.

matter under consideration

Shifts the focus to the act of thinking about or discussing something.

area of study

Highlights the academic or scholarly nature of the topic.

focus of research

Emphasizes the investigative aspect, particularly in a research setting.

point of discussion

Indicates a subject that is being talked about or debated.

theme for exploration

Suggests a broader, more open-ended investigation.

question under review

Specifically frames the topic as a question that is being examined.

issue in question

Highlights the problematic or uncertain nature of the topic.

field of examination

Similar to "area of study", but with a stronger emphasis on scrutiny.

scope of analysis

Suggests a structured and detailed investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "topic of inquiry" to refer to a subject or issue that is being investigated or studied. For example: "The main "subject of investigation" was the impact of climate change on coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "topic of inquiry"?

Alternatives include "subject of investigation", "area of study", or "matter under consideration", depending on the context.

Is "topic of inquiry" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "topic of inquiry" is more suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler terms like "subject" or "issue".

What makes "topic of inquiry" different from "subject of inquiry"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Topic of inquiry" emphasizes the theme or area being explored, while "subject of inquiry" highlights the specific matter under investigation.