C1 Expression رسمي 2 دقيقة للقراءة

The inquiry examined

Research methodology and reporting expression

Use this phrase to introduce a serious investigation's focus in professional or academic writing.

في 15 ثانية

  • A formal way to introduce investigation results.
  • Used in reports, academic papers, and serious news.
  • Implies a deep, systematic search for facts.

المعنى

This phrase is used to describe a formal investigation or deep study that looked closely at a specific problem or event. It is like saying a detective or a scientist carefully checked every detail to find the truth.

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

Presenting a business report

The inquiry examined the reasons for the sudden drop in sales.

The research looked at why sales went down.

💼
2

Writing a university thesis

The inquiry examined the impact of social media on sleep patterns.

The study looked at how social media affects sleep.

👔
3

Texting a colleague about a bug

The inquiry examined the code and found a small error.

We checked the code and found a mistake.

💼
🌍

خلفية ثقافية

This phrase is deeply rooted in the legal and democratic traditions of the UK, US, and Commonwealth. Public inquiries are often launched after major national tragedies or scandals to ensure the public gets the truth. Using this language gives your writing a sense of 'official' importance and serious intent.

💡

The 'How' and 'Whether' trick

This phrase pairs perfectly with 'how' or 'whether'. Try: 'The inquiry examined how the system failed' or 'The inquiry examined whether the rules were followed'.

⚠️

Don't be too small

Avoid using this for tiny tasks. If you just looked at a menu, don't say 'The inquiry examined the appetizers.' It sounds pretentious!

في 15 ثانية

  • A formal way to introduce investigation results.
  • Used in reports, academic papers, and serious news.
  • Implies a deep, systematic search for facts.

What It Means

The inquiry examined is a powerful way to start a report. It tells your reader that a serious investigation took place. Think of it as a spotlight shining on a mystery. It implies that people didn't just look; they analyzed and scrutinized. It suggests a professional, systematic approach to finding answers. You are setting the stage for facts and evidence.

How To Use It

Use this phrase at the beginning of a summary. Follow it with a noun or a clause starting with how or whether. For example, The inquiry examined the cause of the leak. It sounds very authoritative. It makes you sound like an expert who has done their homework. Don't use it for small things like finding lost keys. Save it for big, important questions that need real answers.

When To Use It

You will see this in news reports or academic papers. Use it when presenting findings from a survey or a project. It works perfectly in a business meeting after a failed launch. If your boss asks why a project crashed, this is your go-to line. It shifts the focus from blame to objective facts. It feels very 'CSI' but for the office or university.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in casual chats with friends. If you say, "The inquiry examined why you didn't text back," you'll sound like a robot. It is too heavy for small talk or lighthearted jokes. Don't use it for quick, surface-level checks. It implies a long, deep process. Using it for a five-minute Google search is overkill and might make people laugh at you.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking countries, an 'inquiry' is often a high-level government probe. Think of the 'Public Inquiry' in the UK or 'Congressional Hearings' in the US. These are big, televised events where experts testify. Because of this, the phrase carries a lot of weight. It suggests transparency, justice, and a search for the ultimate truth. It is a hallmark of a society that values accountability.

Common Variations

  • The study explored (more academic)
  • The investigation looked into (more detective-like)
  • The report scrutinized (very intense and critical)
  • The analysis reviewed (focused on data and numbers)
  • The commission investigated (very official and legalistic)

ملاحظات الاستخدام

This is a high-level (C1) expression. It is strictly formal and should be used in writing or prepared speeches rather than spontaneous conversation.

💡

The 'How' and 'Whether' trick

This phrase pairs perfectly with 'how' or 'whether'. Try: 'The inquiry examined how the system failed' or 'The inquiry examined whether the rules were followed'.

⚠️

Don't be too small

Avoid using this for tiny tasks. If you just looked at a menu, don't say 'The inquiry examined the appetizers.' It sounds pretentious!

💬

The 'Sherlock' Effect

In British English, 'inquiry' often hints at a huge, expensive public event. Using it in the office makes your work sound like a high-stakes investigation.

أمثلة

6
#1 Presenting a business report
💼

The inquiry examined the reasons for the sudden drop in sales.

The research looked at why sales went down.

Sets a professional tone for a meeting.

#2 Writing a university thesis
👔

The inquiry examined the impact of social media on sleep patterns.

The study looked at how social media affects sleep.

Standard academic phrasing for research goals.

#3 Texting a colleague about a bug
💼

The inquiry examined the code and found a small error.

We checked the code and found a mistake.

Slightly formal for a text, but shows serious effort.

#4 A sarcastic comment to a roommate
😄

The inquiry examined the fridge and concluded you ate my yogurt.

I checked the fridge and know you took my food.

Using formal language for a trivial matter creates humor.

#5 Reporting on a safety incident
💭

The inquiry examined the safety protocols following the accident.

The investigation checked the safety rules after the crash.

Used to show that safety is being taken seriously.

#6 A news broadcast
👔

The inquiry examined whether the government acted quickly enough.

The investigation looked at the government's speed.

Classic journalism style for political accountability.

اختبر نفسك

Choose the best word to complete the formal sentence.

The ___ examined the causes of the environmental disaster.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: inquiry

An 'inquiry' is a formal investigation, which fits the serious context of a disaster.

Finish the sentence for a research paper.

The inquiry ___ the relationship between exercise and mental health.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: examined

'Examined' is the correct verb to describe a systematic study of a relationship.

🎉 النتيجة: /2

وسائل تعلم بصرية

Formality Level of 'The inquiry examined'

Casual

Talking to friends

I looked at...

Neutral

Standard workplace talk

We checked...

Formal

Official reports/Academic

The inquiry examined...

Very Formal

Legal proceedings

The judicial inquiry scrutinized...

Where to use 'The inquiry examined'

The inquiry examined
🎓

Academic Paper

Analyzing data trends

📰

News Report

Investigating a scandal

💼

Business Meeting

Reviewing a project failure

⚖️

Legal Document

Reviewing evidence

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Both are correct! 'Inquiry' (with an I) is more common in American English, while 'Enquiry' (with an E) is often used in British English for a simple question. However, for a formal investigation, 'Inquiry' is standard globally.

Yes, it's great for describing a project you led. You could say, The inquiry I led examined our supply chain efficiency.

It depends on the recipient. For a boss or a client, it's perfect. For a work friend, it might be a bit stiff unless you are being funny.

Examine implies a much deeper, more careful analysis than look at. It's the difference between glancing at a car and taking the engine apart.

No, an inquiry is the process or the committee. You wouldn't say The inquiry is a nice man. You would say The committee conducting the inquiry is...

Usually, yes, because you are reporting on something that already happened. However, you can say The inquiry is examining... if it is still going on.

Absolutely. It is very common in scientific abstracts to describe the scope of the research.

Using it without a clear subject. Make sure people know *which* inquiry you are talking about before you use the phrase.

Yes, it is a staple of formal English in both regions, though the spelling might flip-flop between 'i' and 'e'.

Yes, The investigation examined is a near-perfect synonym, though 'inquiry' often sounds slightly more 'official' or 'governmental'.

عبارات ذات صلة

The study explored

Used in research to describe looking into a new topic.

The report highlighted

Used to point out the most important parts of a document.

Under scrutiny

Being watched or examined very closely.

A deep dive

An informal way to say a very thorough investigation.

هل كان هذا مفيداً؟
لا توجد تعليقات بعد. كن أول من يشارك أفكاره!

ابدأ تعلم اللغات مجاناً

ابدأ التعلم مجاناً