under enquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under enquiry" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in British English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate that something is being investigated or examined. Example: "The financial transactions are currently under enquiry by the regulatory authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At any given time approx two thirds of large businesses are under enquiry".

The Guardian

The ideal reference class is defined by the intersection of all relevant features of the case, and a feature is relevant if it is correlated to the matter under enquiry (Franklin 2010, 2011: 559–561).

SEP

It is clear from both past and more recent efforts that mixed symptoms herald a more severe course of illness, but the optimal definition is still under enquiry (Swann et al. 2013; Barbuti et al. 2017).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

In these cases scientists typically used deductive reasoning to support their advice (e.g. based on irregular data, combined with knowledge of neighbouring areas, assumptions were made on the character of the site under enquiry).

Environmental Management

The initial recruits were selected on the basis of their relevant experience and their ability to generate early data, which would scope the terrain of the area under enquiry; for example, having a role as mental health lead or previous experience of working in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As if peer-reviewed scientific enquiry under laboratory conditions ever "proved" anything.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Labour prime minister, James Callaghan, set up a cabinet committee and persuaded the TUC and Apex to allow a court of enquiry under Lord Justice Scarman to resolve the dispute.

The Guardian

It already has a small enquiry under way, triggered by questions about how firms were booking reserves in the deep waters of America's Gulf of Mexico.Investors, too, may demand greater transparency.

The Economist

My contact with the lecturer went quiet, so I made a handful of freedom of information requests to the university, asking when the PhD would go back into the library and if there was any sort of plagiarism enquiry under way.

The Guardian

Neuroepidemiological studies in India have included headache only as one of multiple conditions of enquiry under the broad spectrum of neurological disorders [4].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Three different kinds of philosophical enquiry fall under the general heading of philosophy of biology.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under enquiry" in formal writing, particularly in British English, when referring to an ongoing investigation or examination by an authority or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "under enquiry" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "being investigated" or "being looked into" for broader appeal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under enquiry" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that it is currently the subject of an investigation or formal questioning. Ludwig examples show the phrase used to describe situations ranging from tax risks managed by HMRC to optimal definitions still being explored in scientific research.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under enquiry" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase primarily used in British English to indicate that something is currently being investigated. Ludwig confirms its correctness and utility, especially in formal contexts such as news reports and scientific publications. While "under enquiry" may be less common in informal settings, alternatives like "under investigation" or "being examined" can be more appropriate. Remember to reserve "under enquiry" for situations where a formal investigation or examination is taking place to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under investigation

This is a more common and generally applicable alternative, suitable for most contexts where something is being looked into.

being investigated

A passive voice construction emphasizing the action of investigating.

subject to inquiry

A more formal and slightly less common way of expressing the same idea.

under scrutiny

Suggests a more critical and detailed examination, often implying potential fault.

being examined

Focuses on the process of examination, often in a scientific or technical context.

subject to review

Indicates a formal assessment or evaluation process.

under consideration

Implies a more general assessment, not necessarily an investigation.

being assessed

Similar to "under consideration", but with a focus on evaluating worth or value.

in the process of being checked

A more descriptive alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

subject to due diligence

Highlights the need to perform actions to investigate a certain matter.

FAQs

What does "under enquiry" mean?

The phrase "under enquiry" means that something is currently being investigated or examined, typically by an authority or organization. It suggests a formal process of gathering information and assessing facts.

When is it appropriate to use "under enquiry"?

It's most appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal, governmental, or official communications. In more casual settings, alternatives like "under investigation" or "being looked into" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "under enquiry"?

Synonyms and similar phrases include "under investigation", "subject to inquiry", "being examined", or "under scrutiny", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "under enquiry" British English?

While understandable in other English-speaking regions, "under enquiry" is more commonly used in British English. American English speakers might prefer "under investigation".