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

1. an ordering of questions so as to develop a particular argument