enquire

American  

[en-kwahyuhr] / ɛnˈkwaɪər /

verb (used with or without object)

enquired, enquiring

1. inquire.

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enquire British  

/ ɪnˈkwaɪə /

verb

1. a variant of inquire

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Usage

What's the difference between enquire and inquire? Enquire and inquire mean the same thing: to ask, to seek information, or to investigate. Enquire is a less common variant of inquire. Their noun forms—enquiry and inquiry—also have the same meanings: a question, an investigation, a request for information, or the process of seeking information. Both inquire and enquire are somewhat formal. Some speakers of British English may use both words, preferring enquire in contexts that are less formal. In the U. S., enquire is rarely used. Here’s an example of enquire used correctly in a sentence. Example: I’m calling to enquire about the open position. Inquire could be used in this sentence in the same exact way. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between enquire and inquire.

Other Word Forms

• enquirer noun
• unenquired adjective
• unenquiring adjective

Explanation

You might enquire, or ask about, the difference between the words enquire and "inquire." Good question. The answer is, not much. They are the same word with different spellings. Typically the British prefer the "e" version, but both are correct. When you enquire about something, you are asking a question. This can come in many forms. Sometimes when you enquire, you are doing an investigation of a crime or an unsolved mystery. The National Enquirer is a tabloid that investigates celebrity gossip. But enquiring doesn't always have to be so dramatic. You could just be enquiring about the time.

Example Sentences

After the defence ministry published a statement on the matter, "dozens" of other groups contacted the authorities to enquire about the scheme, Myronenko said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

He was among five independent UN rights experts who sent a communication to the Indian government in 2024 to enquire about Nijjar's assassination.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

I also enquire as to why the era of the big star who can open a film on their name alone is over.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2023

Jeremiah Wong, senior marketing communications manager at tour agency Chan Brothers Travel in Singapore, said some concerned customers had called to enquire about options for upcoming Australia trips due to the new isolation requirement.

From Reuters • Nov. 29, 2021

She then proceeded to enquire into the measures which her father had intended to pursue, while in town, for the recovery of his daughter.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen