we might inquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we might inquire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting the possibility of asking a question or seeking information about a particular topic. Example: "In order to better understand the situation, we might inquire about the reasons behind the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We might inquire into the fears of our patients, appraise the risks realistically, point out that widespread media coverage tends to exaggerate the risks, and, as Durodié and Wessely [ 49] point out, suggest that we should not become victims of our fears.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet what is it in aid of, you might inquire?

The Guardian

A second question, then, might inquire why the great tycoon allowed Wolff to sit there waving a microphone in his face for day after supposedly busy day?

The Guardian - Books

An English family had bought the larger plantation up thehill to the south and across the road and was just moving in; JohnJames might inquire there.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Aguirre also called someone who lives in that building and asked that they tell anyone who might inquire that Ms. Aguirre lived there, the investigator said.

The New York Times

But one might inquire: How is it possible to equate Haskell's sacrifice of a "male shoulder to lean on" with Ellen's desire to live her own authentic life?

The New York Times - Books

There, with the help of an Arabic-speaking cab driver, she asked a guard where she might inquire about obtaining permission to remain permanently in the United States, as Noor will probably need further surgery as she gets older.

The New York Times

You might inquire from Turismo de Barcelona, (34) 93-368-9730, about Barcelona cards, which can be bought for one day ($16.25) or up to five days ($26) and provide unlimited local transportation and some museum and shop discounts.

The New York Times - Travel

Or they might inquire how the city has managed to spend more than $600,000 to rebuild, but not quite finish rebuilding, the 61 houses burned down in 1985 in an attack on political extremists by an earlier Democratic mayor, W. Wilson Goode.

The New York Times

As such, one might inquire why there was this initial state of the universe in the finite past.

SEP

One might inquire about the causes of such a desire and, given its widespread occurrence, might wonder about its possible Darwinian survival value.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we might inquire" to introduce a question or suggest a line of inquiry in a formal or polite manner. It is particularly useful in academic or professional contexts where a direct question might seem too assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "we might inquire" in informal settings or casual conversations, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "we could ask" or "let's find out" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we might inquire" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a polite suggestion or possibility of asking a question or starting an investigation. It softens the directness of a question, as seen in the example from Ludwig, “We might inquire into the fears of our patients…”.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we might inquire" is a formal phrase used to politely suggest asking a question or investigating a topic. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to soften the directness of a question. While the phrase is appropriate in academic, scientific, or professional contexts, it should be avoided in informal settings where a more direct approach is preferred. Consider alternatives such as "we could ask" or "we may investigate" depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could ask

Replaces "inquire" with the more common "ask", making it less formal.

we may ask

Similar to "we could ask" but slightly more formal.

we could investigate

More polite and open-ended alternative to "we should investigate".

we should investigate

Focuses on a more thorough examination rather than a simple question.

we may investigate

A more formal way to say we could investigate

we could look into

Implies a more detailed examination or review.

we may look into

A more formal way to say we could look into

it might be worth asking

Emphasizes the potential benefit of asking, rather than just the act of asking.

we should look into

Indicates a need to explore an issue

it may be worth asking

A more formal way to say it might be worth asking

FAQs

How can I use "we might inquire" in a sentence?

You can use "we might inquire" to politely introduce a question or suggest further investigation, as in, "To understand the situation better, "we might inquire" about the project's initial goals".

What are some alternatives to "we might inquire"?

Alternatives include phrases like "we could ask", "we may ask", or "it might be worth asking", depending on the level of formality and directness you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "we might inquire"?

"We might inquire" is appropriate in formal settings, such as academic papers, business reports, or professional correspondence, where a polite and indirect approach is preferred. In informal settings, simpler phrases are generally more suitable.

What is the difference between "we might inquire" and "we should inquire"?

"We might inquire" suggests a possibility or a suggestion to ask a question, while "we should inquire" implies a stronger recommendation or a necessity to ask the question. "we should inquire" indicates a more urgent or important need for information.