line of inquiry
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A systematic series of questions or a methodical approach to investigation: A "line of inquiry" refers to a planned sequence of questions or a specific direction taken in an investigation or research to explore a particular issue, develop an argument, or gather information.
Usage
A "line of inquiry" is used to describe the focused path or strategy of questioning in formal contexts such as academic research, police investigations, scientific study, or detailed discussions. It implies a logical and ordered progression.
Examples
- The detective pursued a new line of inquiry after the initial evidence proved inconclusive.
- Our research team is following a promising line of inquiry regarding the causes of the disease.
- The philosopher's book develops its thesis through a careful line of inquiry into the nature of consciousness.
- The committee agreed to drop that particular line of inquiry as it was not relevant to the main topic.
Advanced Usage
- "To pursue a line of inquiry": To actively follow or investigate a specific set of questions.
- The journalist decided to pursue a different line of inquiry based on the new source's testimony.
- "A fruitful line of inquiry": An investigative approach that yields useful results or insights.
- The initial experiments opened up a very fruitful line of inquiry for the lab.
Variants and Related Words
- Line of questioning (noun phrase): Often used interchangeably, especially in legal or interrogative contexts.
- The defense attorney objected to the prosecutor's aggressive line of questioning.
Synonyms
- Course of investigation
- Avenue of research
- Thread of investigation
Related Phrases
- Follow up on: To investigate something further, which can be part of a line of inquiry.
- We need to follow up on this lead as part of our main line of inquiry.
Noun
- an ordering of questions so as to develop a particular argument