enquire
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing enquire
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
India's foreign ministry said consular officials had visited Pant "to enquire about his wellbeing".
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 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
Liverpool were among the first sides to seriously enquire about the forward in an attempt to head off competition for his signing.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2024
The lobbying efforts were to enquire about direct funding, incentives and grants related to site selection, development and construction of a new battery processing facility in the province of Quebec, according to public documents.
From Reuters ● Aug. 1, 2023
"If it is not too forward of me to enquire," said Tristran, "might I ask what it is that you are in search of?"
From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman
Liverpool have previously enquired about Adam Wharton but Crystal Palace's stance is that the 22-year-old is not for sale.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
Liverpool enquired about Adam Wharton earlier in the year but they are not the only club interested in the Crystal Palace midfielder.
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026
Arsenal also have a major interest in Villa defender Ezri Konsa and have enquired about the England international's availability.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
"We were told it was for the US deportees after we enquired," he said, adding the ministry had been kept in the dark throughout the process.
From Barron's ● Nov. 17, 2025
“Is that your medicine?” enquired Michael, looking very interested.
From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers
She suggests, too, that an “expedition into morally deviant worlds can be good for the enquiring mind.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
In 2018, Dublin-born Roberto Lopes, whose father is from Cape Verde, received a message from the country's manager Rui Aguas via LinkedIn, enquiring whether he would be interested in playing for the national team.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
“He was constantly enquiring; some things he was pretty sure of, but much was in a state of enquiry,” she wrote.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 18, 2025
Sources told BBC Sport at the time of Kudus' move that he had prioritised a switch to north London despite at least six top clubs enquiring about the 25-year-old.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2025
As to his real character, had information been in her power, she had never felt a wish of enquiring.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
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