we inquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we inquired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you asked questions or sought information about something. Example: "After noticing the discrepancies in the report, we inquired with the team to clarify the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We inquired about a bag.

The New York Times - Food

We inquired as to its contents.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What about the truffles?" we inquired.

The New York Times

"We inquired from every police station.

The New York Times

"It's not a lowrider is it?" we inquired.

The New York Times

We inquired why she was serving tea there.

The New Yorker

When we inquired, our waiter replied, "We changed things".

The New York Times

"But when we inquired among teams, already many used products.

The New York Times - Sports

We here at Bucks hadn't encountered a prepaid ban before, so we inquired for more details.

The New York Times

A number of properties were leased shortly after we inquired about them.

The New York Times

"So on Sunday, we inquired if the bank was for sale, and on Tuesday we bought it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we inquired" when a formal or neutral tone is appropriate, such as in reports, academic papers, or professional correspondence. It suggests a deliberate act of seeking information.

Common error

Avoid using "we inquired" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we asked" or "we checked" are often more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we inquired" primarily functions as a reporting verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it introduces a clause describing the act of asking a question or seeking information, typically in a formal or neutral context. This function is evident in the examples provided, where the phrase introduces details about the subject of the inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we inquired" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a question has been asked, or an investigation has been initiated. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in English. It is most commonly found in news media and science-related writing and has a neutral to formal tone. When a less formal tone is required, it may be more appropriate to use alternatives such as "we asked" or "we checked". Overall, the phrase is widely used across reputable sources and demonstrates consistent usage and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we asked

This is a direct and simple alternative, suitable for most contexts. It's less formal than "we inquired".

we made inquiries

This is a more formal and general way of saying that we asked questions or sought information.

we questioned

This alternative implies a more formal or critical tone than "we inquired", suggesting some doubt or suspicion.

we investigated

This suggests a more in-depth and systematic search for information, beyond simple questioning.

we requested information

This explicitly states the purpose of the inquiry, focusing on obtaining specific data.

we sought clarification

This implies the need for a clearer understanding of something already known.

we looked into

This suggests a less formal investigation or examination of a matter.

we probed

This suggests a detailed and persistent questioning to uncover hidden information.

we consulted

This implies seeking advice or information from an expert or knowledgeable source.

we explored

This indicates a broader investigation, often involving multiple lines of inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "we inquired" in a sentence?

You can use "we inquired" to indicate that a question was asked or an investigation was initiated. For example: "We inquired about the project's budget." or "After the incident, we inquired with the authorities."

What can I say instead of "we inquired"?

You can use alternatives like "we asked", "we questioned", or "we investigated" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we inquired" versus "we asked"?

"We inquired" is more formal and suggests a more thorough or official request for information compared to "we asked", which is more casual. Use "we inquired" when formality is important.

What is the difference between "we inquired" and "we investigated"?

"We inquired" suggests a direct request for information, while "we investigated" implies a more detailed and systematic examination or inquiry into a matter. Investigation may involve inquiring, but it also includes gathering and analyzing evidence.