Enquire vs Inquire

The difference between "enquire" and "inquire" primarily lies in their usage and formality.

"Enquire" is typically used in British English for general or informal requests, while "inquire" is used in both British and American English for formal investigations or official queries.

Definition and Usage

What Do They Mean?

  • Enquire: This term generally means to ask or seek information. It's often used in more informal contexts.

  • Inquire: This term also means to ask, but it carries a formal tone. It is often used in official or professional settings.

When to Use "Enquire"

Common contexts: casual conversations, general information requests.

  • Example: "I will enquire about the train schedule."

  • Example: "Can you enquire if the restaurant is open?"

  • Example: "She enquired about the price of the dress."

When to Use "Inquire"

Common contexts: business communications, legal or academic inquiries.

  • Example: "The lawyer will inquire into the matter."

  • Example: "We need to inquire about the new regulations."

  • Example: "He inquired whether the meeting was still on schedule."

British vs. American English

Regional Preferences

  • Enquire is preferred in British English.

  • Inquire is preferred in American English.

Examples in Different Regions

  • British: "She enquired about the new policy."

  • American: "He inquired about the job opening."

  • British: "Enquire within for more details."

  • American: "Please inquire at the front desk."

Formal and Informal Contexts

Formality in Language

  • Use enquire in informal contexts.

  • Use inquire in formal contexts.

Professional vs. Casual Inquiries

Formal inquiries:

  • "The committee will inquire into the allegations."

  • "The investigator will inquire about the missing documents."

  • "The board decided to inquire further into the financial discrepancies."

Informal inquiries:

  • "I'll enquire if the store has your size."

  • "Can you enquire about the movie timings?"

  • "He enquired if the library had the book he wanted."

Common Phrases and Idioms

Phrases Using "Enquire"

"Enquire within"

  • Example: "For more details, enquire within."

"Enquire about"

  • Example: "She enquired about the conference schedule."

"Enquire after"

  • Example: "He enquired after her health."

Phrases Using "Inquire"

"Inquire into"

  • Example: "The officer will inquire into the incident."

"Inquire about"

  • Example: "He inquired about the project's status."

"Inquire within"

  • Example: "Please inquire within for job applications."

Understanding Idioms

"Make inquiries"

  • Example: "She made inquiries about the scholarship."

"Inquiring mind"

  • Example: "He has an inquiring mind that always seeks knowledge."

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with either "enquire" or "inquire":

  • I need to ______ about the availability of the product.

  • The journalist will ______ into the details of the story.

  • She decided to ______ about the course schedule.

  • Can you ______ if there are any discounts available?

Match the context with the appropriate term:

  • Business meeting (a) Enquire (b) Inquire

  • Casual conversation (a) Enquire (b) Inquire

  • Legal investigation (a) Enquire (b) Inquire

  • General information request (a) Enquire (b) Inquire

Answers:

  1. enquire, inquire, enquire, inquire

  2. (b), (a), (b), (a)

Common Mistakes

Using "enquire" in highly formal contexts:

  • Incorrect: "The judge will enquire into the case."

  • Correct: "The judge will inquire into the case."

Using "inquire" in casual contexts:

  • Incorrect: "I'll inquire about the bus timings."

  • Correct: "I'll enquire about the bus timings."

Mixing regional preferences:

  • Incorrect in British English: "She inquired about the new policy."

  • Correct in British English: "She enquired about the new policy."

  • Incorrect in American English: "He enquired about the job opening."

  • Correct in American English: "He inquired about the job opening."