under inquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"under inquiry" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about a situation or process in which a person or organization is subject to investigation or questioning. For example, "The police are carrying out an inquiry into the theft; we won't know the outcome until the investigation is completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"The situation is under inquiry".

The New York Times

The rocket, shown in the image above, held the submunitions under inquiry.

The New York Times

Now, ousted by his board of directors, he is under inquiry by the government.

The New York Times

The president indicated his caution in not reacting earlier was due to the hazards of addressing an issue under inquiry.

The New York Times

When wrongdoing is suspected or alleged, for instance, the SEC will open a so-called "matter under inquiry".

The Economist

The purpose of an inquiry is not primarily to apportion blame on any individual participant in the event under inquiry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It has been a difficult year for social services and two under-reported inquiries have painted a grim picture of the sector.

The Guardian

Under the inquiry, 'children' will be defined as anyone under the age of 18, and community detention is not included in the scope.

The Guardian

Like others, he spoke on the condition of anonymity because the matter remains under official inquiry.

The New York Times

"The suspects are now under an inquiry by the public prosecutor and are remanded in custody by the public prosecutor.

Independent

But the Metropolitan Police later fell under the inquiry's spotlight as witnesses tried to determine whether the messages had been deleted automatically or deliberately.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under inquiry", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is conducting the inquiry and the subject of the inquiry. This clarifies the situation and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under inquiry" when a situation is merely being discussed or considered informally. The phrase implies a structured, often official, investigation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under inquiry" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun (person, organization, situation) is currently subject to an investigation or formal questioning. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources confirms this usage, demonstrating it’s suitability for describing ongoing scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under inquiry" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a subject currently undergoing investigation or examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in formal contexts like news reports, business communications, and scientific publications. It's essential to use it accurately, ensuring that it reflects a structured investigation rather than a mere discussion. While alternatives such as "subject to investigation" exist, "under inquiry" maintains a specific connotation suited for professional communication. The frequency analysis reveals that this phrase is common across news, science, and formal business contexts, highlighting its versatile yet formal usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to investigation

This alternative highlights the investigative aspect, emphasizing that the subject is being actively examined.

being investigated

A more direct and active way of saying something is being looked into.

under investigation

A very close synonym, indicating a formal process of inquiry.

subject to scrutiny

Implies a detailed and critical examination.

being examined

Similar to 'being investigated', but can imply a less formal process.

under review

Suggests a more general assessment or evaluation.

subject to review

Indicates a process of formal assessment.

being assessed

Similar to 'under review', but can imply a more specific evaluation.

in the process of being investigated

This alternative extends the original phrase adding a sense of progression.

currently being researched

Indicates an active research process related to the inquiry.

FAQs

How is "under inquiry" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "under inquiry" typically describes a situation, person, or entity that is currently being investigated. For example, "The company is "under inquiry" by the Securities and Exchange Commission".

What phrases can I use instead of "under inquiry"?

Alternatives to "under inquiry" include "subject to investigation", "being investigated", or "under investigation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "under inquiry" and "under investigation"?

"Under inquiry" and "under investigation" are very similar. "Under inquiry" might suggest a slightly less formal or preliminary stage compared to "under investigation", which often implies a more structured and official process.

Is it appropriate to use "under inquiry" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "under inquiry" is generally more suited to formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, simpler phrases like "being looked into" or "being examined" might be more appropriate.