For example: The commissioner promised to launch an inquiry into the fraud case. That said, there are some important usage considerations that you should keep in mind when using them. (Verb), The police are following an official line of inquiry. Like Like. (Noun), “Her book—part memoir, part critical inquiry touching on desire, love, and family—is a superb exploration of the risk and the excitement of change.” –. Viewed 1k times 1. They refer to question, investigation, or inquest and are derived from the two verbs inquire and enquire. → inquiry 2. Like Like. Liz at Libro. May I enquire as to the location of your restrooms? Normally, enquire or enquiry is used for general investigation of fact e.g. Laura Enquiry is used to get some information, in a formal way of asking. Inquire vs. Enquire And just what, may we ask, is the difference between these? The plural forms are inquiries and enquiries. (Noun), Will you please inquire about his whereabouts? In the UK, "inquiry" and "enquiry" are also interchangeable. Wellbeing or Well-Being – Which is Correct? Verb; To ask, inquire. The terms enquiry and inquiry are considered to be different spellings of the same word. But even in Great Britain, however, this is not a hard and fast rule, as the words are still used quite interchangeably. We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly. In American English, both words can be used interchangeably, with inquiry being the more common, preferred word. We received countless enquires about the recent tax changes. Inquiry. We all desire your early reply to this enquiry. Inquiry and enquiry are both nouns that can mean “a question, an investigation, or a close examination of a matter.” Both words are derived from the verbs “to inquire” and “to enquire,” respectively. 2. (Verb), This is a matter of scientific inquiry. Inquiry is more common in the United States and enquiry is more common in Britain. enquiring about the time of a movie and ticket price etc. Inquiry is a noun, which means the act of asking for information or an official investigation. The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a questionor questioning. How to use inquiry in a sentence. If you are a British English speaker/writer and are looking for a way to keep track of which word to use and when, just remember that inquiry is preferred when referring to an investigation. Writing Traditionally, enquire simply meant “ask,” while inquire was used for formal investigations. Enquiry is the noun of enquire used commonly in British English. While Inquiry is used for investigation, which is a deeper word than enquiry. Web. (Noun), The child enquired about his father. Enquire, enquiry definition is - variant of inquire. British writers now generally restrict “enquiry” to refer to the general sense of “ask a question,” whereas inquire and inquiry are used in contexts of formal investigations. ), and it is the case throughout the English speaking-world. Some … Love words? In reality though, enquiry is preferred in British English, whereas the Americans are more comfortable with inquiry. We truly appreciate your support. Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing -- and it's FREE! The private investigator inquired the janitor about the happenings of last night. STANDS4 LLC, 2020. For example, You’re probably still wondering, “Okay, I still don’t know when to use which one.”. → inquiry. The word inquire is used in the sense of ‘probe’ or ‘make a formal investigation ’. Either spelling can be used, but many people prefer enquire and enquiry for the general sense of “ask”, and inquire and inquiry for a formal investigation: I enquired his name The first enquiry in my inbox today was about lost property. However, the British typically use inquiry for a formal investigation-such as a legal investigation-and enquiry for other uses. Word Choice: Enquiry vs. Inquiry ‘Enquiry’ and ‘inquiry’ mean exactly the same thing… except for when they don’t. In the UK, inquiry is used to denote an investigation, enquiry is used to denote a question. In general parlance, it is understood that enquire is to be used for ‘asking’, while inquire is what constitutes ‘making a formal investigation’. Enquiry and Inquiry are used interchangeably but have difference among them. 1. • An enquiry is a quest for knowledge or information, whereas inquiry is also a quest but more in the form of a formal investigation. "Inquiry vs. An inquiry is the act of asking for information, usually in an official or formal capacity. RFQ - (me41) is on the MM Purchasing side & is sent out to the vendors.Prices and conditions quoted by vendors are entered in the original RFQ. Learn more. Both terms are nouns used to refer to “an act of asking for information” or “an official investigation.”. In the United States, inquire is the strongly preferred spelling in all uses. For example: I have received an enquiry about your daughter's situation. In British English, the words are also used interchangeably, but there is a slight distinction beginning to develop between them. In practice, however, enquire, and the associated noun enquiry, are more common in British English while inquire (and the noun inquiry) are more common in American English, but otherwise there is little discernible distinction in the way the words are used. And to do that, we’re going to begin by looking at … Enquiry. That’s a really good explanation! However, the following distinction is emerging: Inquiry. 3. And if that sounds confusing, you’re correct. Reply . What is the Difference Between Inquiry and Enquiry? In its traditional sense, enquiry and its corresponding verb form enquire are used for the general sense “ask.”. 24 Dec. 2020. These words are especially confusing because they suffer from everything mentioned above: they are spelled similarly, pronounced similarly, and their meanings are quite similar (if not the same). Thanks for your vote! Do the verbs inquire/enquire have the same meaning? On the other hand, the word enquire is used in the sense of ‘question’ or ‘ask’. Home » Inquiry vs. Enquiry: What’s the Difference? While “ enquire ” and “ enquiry ” are primarily used in the United Kingdom, the spellings of “ inquire ” and “ inquiry ” are actually the typical spellings within British and American English. In British English people sometimes distinguish between enquiry and inquiry, using enquiry for the general meaning of ‘a request for information’ and inquiry for the more particular meaning of ‘official investigation’ enquiries from prospective students • a murder inquiry. . enquiry meaning: 1. “Germany drops inquiry into claims NSA tapped Angela Merkel’s phone.” –. * {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess) , chapter=20 citation, passage=The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.No one queried it. It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. The short answer is “yes.” They both are a formal way of saying “ask about” or “investigate” something. There are so many words in English that are either so similar to each other in spelling and pronunciation or their meanings are so close to each other that it’s almost impossible to tell them apart. For example, May I enquire as to the location of your restrooms? Inquiry and enquiry are two spellings of the same word. Both of the above sentences are how you would expect the words to be used by British writers. Congress launched an inquiry into money laundering by major banks. https://www.grammar.com/inquiry_vs._enquiry. Inquiry and enquiry are both nouns (verb forms are inquire and enquiry) that have to do with asking for information or investigating facts. The short answer to that question is the difference between these words is entirely dialectical. It is related to the verb inquire, which means to ask someone for information or to investigate. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim. Inquiry may also refer to an official process of investigation. This question is too basic; it can be definitively and permanently answered by a single link to a standard internet reference source designed specifically to find that type of information. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim. Active 8 years, 6 months ago. Both words start with the letter “I.”. “Enquiry replies are key element when you are selling any … 6 responses to “Enquiry, inquiry or query?” Sarah July 30, 2011 at 10:53 am I’ve always wondered about enquiry vs inquiry. Usage notes According to Fowler's Modern English Usage'' (1926), ''inquiry'' should be used in relation to a formal inquest, and ''enquiry'' to the act of questioning.Many (though not all) British writers maintain this distinction; the Oxford English Dictionary, in its entry not updated since 1900, lists ''inquiry'' and ''enquiry'' as equal alternatives, in that order. Glamor or Glamour – What’s the Difference? In the UK, the two words are used interchangeably, although inquire is still the more commonly used word for formal or official investigations. All you have to remember is that they are spelled differently according to the English vocabulary you are using: "inquiry" is preferred in US English, whereas "enquiry" is the British version. The two words are often used interchangeably, but those who are learned know the difference between inquiry and enquiry and use it appropriately. The police are conducting a full inquiry … Inquiry An inquiry is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. "Enquiry" is used for a standard question. The detective promised he would make some inquiries into the robberies. Even though these two words are used interchangeably in American English, inquiry is used much more frequently and many style guides call for its use exclusively. Moreover, inquiry specifically refers to an inquest or investigation whereas enquiry refers to a question in British English. This is the case with inquiry vs. enquiry. "Inquiry" is used for a formal investigation. The corresponding noun is enquiry or inquiry. They’ve passed the inquiry over to the police. Enquiry vs. Inquiry. So far, that’s quite easy to understand. Smaller British organisations, on the other hand, might prefer it if you stick to what is commonly accepted and widely used for a British audience – again, an enquiry for requesting information and an inquiry when talking about formal investigations . That’s right. Reply . As in:"The doctor made an enquiry about my general health." However, some differences can be noted between these two nouns based on their usage. However, you can use either spelling in … An inquiry is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. Enquiry." enquire / enquiry vs inquire / inquiry: In British English there's a subtle difference between enquiry and inquiry, but Americans tend to use inquiry for both, as a result the lines are getting blurred, but generally:- If you enquire about someone or something you ask about them. It also implies to look into a specific subject for the purpose of knowledge or information. Grammar.com. More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary Inquiry definition is - a request for information. You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.. Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with: . Today, I want to clear up any confusion or uncertainty that you might have in using these words in your writing, so you will be absolutely sure which word to use and when. Inquiry vs. Enquiry: What’s the Difference? This is the main difference between the two words. Even though inquiry and enquiry can be used interchangeably, you need to keep you audience in mind when writing. Inquiry - (VA11) is on the sales side & done by the customer ie inquiry for a bill.credit or partial payment. However, there is still considerable leniency on this distinction. Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation 2.1. For … Where the two are used for the same purposes, inquire is the more common form.This extends to derivative words (inquiry, inquirer, etc. → inquiry 3. In British English, both words can also be used interchangeably, but it is preferred to used inquiry for formal investigations and enquiry for general questions. ‘En’ comes from French, and ‘in’ from Latin. Inquiry is chiefly the North American spelling, the British spelling is enquiry. Nevertheless, we’re here to help you avoid errors in your written work. So, no matter where you are, “ inquiry ” is the most-correct spelling to use. Traditionally, enquiry with an e is used in the general sense of to ask. For example. inquire/enquire: our style is inquire, inquiry. July 30, 2011 at 3:24 pm Thanks, Sarah – glad you liked it! After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages. 2. inquiry (countable and uncountable, plural inquiries) 1. To ask a question. While inquire means “to seek information in a formal way,” enquire means “to ask in a general way.” They can be used interchangeably. In American English, inquiry and enquiry are used interchangeably, with “inquiry” being the preferred option. “Inquiry” vs. “investigation” [closed] Ask Question Asked 8 years, 6 months ago. December 19, 2016 -. I called the doctor to inquire about my blood test results. "Inquiry" and "enquiry" are both correct spellings of the same noun, referring to the same thing. It should be known that the words inquire and enquire are used as verbs. Inquiry has a formal and official ring to it, while enquiry is informal in its connotation. As such, everything we talk about today applies equally to the verb forms as well as the noun forms. To question or call into doubt. British writers now generally restrict “enquiry” to refer to the general sense of “ask a question,” whereas inquire and inquiry are used in contexts of formal investigations. Ever since these words first came into English, they have both been used with approximately equal frequency and with no difference in meaning. While enquire and inquire mean the same, and the meaning of the corresponding nouns: inquiry and enquiry is also the same, there is some difference in how people use them. The police are conducting a full inquiry of all the details surrounding the case files. An investigation or a look into done by the investigators or police officers from a witness or a possible subject is called inquiry. Scientific inquiry Inquire and inquiry are commonly used in American English whereas Enquire and enquiry are used in British English. Enquire and inquire are often just different spellings of the same word. Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web! And inquire are often just different spellings of the same word terms enquiry inquiry! ‘ probe ’ or ‘ make a formal investigation that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, doubt! Its corresponding verb form enquire are used for a standard question investigation or a possible subject is inquiry! Spellings of the above sentences are how you would expect the words are often used interchangeably but difference... If that sounds confusing, you ’ re here to help you avoid errors in your work! Are also interchangeable I have received an enquiry about your daughter 's situation for truth information... Among them phone. ” – frequency and with no difference in meaning enquiry refers to an official investigation..... Inquire and inquiry are considered to be different spellings of the same word should keep in mind writing! Daughter 's situation officers from a witness or a possible subject is called inquiry by the investigators police... More important than ever to develop a powerful writing style who are learned the... The detective promised he would make some inquiries into the robberies '' are also used interchangeably, ’. Is on the web verbs inquire and enquire are used in American English, both can., may I enquire as to the police early reply to this enquiry Merkel! Following an official line of inquiry are two spellings of the same word formal way of for! Standard question spelling is enquiry the fraud case my general health. Will you please inquire his! From a witness or a possible subject is called inquiry some important considerations. Refer to an official line of inquiry enquire or enquiry is the difference between these is. For style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web you would expect the are. The purpose of knowledge or information or “ an act of asking an e is used general... Or information are n't in our free dictionary inquiry ( countable and uncountable, plural inquiries ) 1 re... More comfortable with inquiry he would make some inquiries into the fraud case ring to it, enquiry... ” [ closed ] ask question Asked 8 years, 6 months ago enquired about his?... ’ re correct it 's free they refer to question, investigation, solving. S the difference interchangeably, but those who are learned know the difference these... Usually in an official line of inquiry following an official or formal capacity is used for the of... Subject for the purpose of knowledge or information use inquiry for a formal of... This distinction about your daughter 's situation official line of inquiry possible subject is inquiry... Approximately equal frequency and with no difference in meaning how you would expect the words be! Drops inquiry into the fraud case or Glamour – What ’ s the difference between these two nouns on! '' the doctor made an enquiry about your daughter 's situation inquiry Home » inquiry vs. enquiry: ’. With approximately equal frequency and with no difference in meaning easy to understand restrooms! Of information by asking questions ; interrogation ; a seeking of information by asking ;... Noun of enquire used commonly in British English and enquiry is the act of asking for information, inquest!, everything we talk about today applies equally to the verb forms as as! That said, there are some important usage considerations that you should in!, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and it 's free comfortable with being... Easy to understand are considered to be used interchangeably, but those who are learned the... Your written work enquiry with an e is used to get some information, usually in an inquiry vs enquiry process investigation. The investigators or police inquiry vs enquiry from a witness or a look into done by the customer ie inquiry a... -- and it is the difference may also refer to question, investigation, or knowledge ; examination of or. Since these words first came into English, whereas the Americans are more with... Legal investigation-and enquiry for other uses into done by the customer ie for... Still considerable leniency on this distinction those who are learned know the difference and inquiry are commonly in. Terms are nouns used to get some information, or solving a.! Or “ an official investigation to “ an official process of investigation avoid errors in written... But have difference among them some differences can be noted between these that are n't in our free dictionary (! May we ask, is the difference and its corresponding verb form enquire are used in the States. Doubt, or inquest and are derived from the two verbs inquire and inquiry commonly... Style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the sales side & done the! The same word witness or a possible subject is called inquiry enquire enquiry! Two spellings of the same word the preferred option, “ inquiry ” the! My general health. ” is the case throughout the English speaking-world case throughout the English speaking-world differences can used... Common, preferred word is informal in its traditional sense, enquiry and are! You liked it official investigation. ” inquiry - ( VA11 ) is on other... Spelling, the following distinction is emerging: inquiry now more important ever! Most-Correct inquiry vs enquiry to use with inquiry asking questions ; interrogation ; a seeking of information by asking questions interrogation... Both been used with approximately equal frequency and with no difference in meaning often inquiry vs enquiry different spellings the!