enquiry

Enquiry and inquiry have the same meanings: a question, an investigation, a request for information, or the process of seeking information. Enquiry is a less common variant of inquiry.

Their verb forms—enquire and inquire—also mean the same thing: to ask, to seek information, or to investigate.

Both enquiry and inquiry are somewhat formal, especially compared to similar terms like question or investigation. Some speakers of British English may use both words, preferring enquiry in contexts that are less formal. In the U.S., enquiry is rarely used.

Here’s an example of enquiry used correctly in a sentence.

Example: I forwarded you an email with an enquiry about the open position.

Inquiry could be used in this sentence in the same exact way.

Most of these same distinctions apply to the verbs enquire and inquire.

To learn more about them, read the full breakdown of the difference between enquire and inquire.

Quiz yourself on enquiry and inquiry!

True or False?

Enquiry and inquiry have the same meaning.

How to use enquiry in a sentence

While the SaaS is UK-only for now Legl is already getting enquiries from markets further afield and planning to start international expansion.
Legl gets $7M to help law firms upgrade to digital workflows|Natasha Lomas|March 12, 2021|TechCrunch
The website was once very well optimized, and today it is still functional since they are selling off any enquiries.
A review of the payday loans algorithm in 2021|Daniel Tannenbaum|February 16, 2021|Search Engine Watch
One such line of enquiry was around which parts of Google’s vast ecosystem it could be forced to sell off.
The future of Google and what it means for search|Pete Eckersley|February 5, 2021|Search Engine Watch
In the 12 months to November, Kenya saw a growth in enquiries about citizenship by investment of 116% according to Henley & Partners.
Kenya’s elite join a growing list of Africans buying up second passports from Caribbean nations|Stephen Kafeero|December 2, 2020|Quartz

The phone just started ringing with lots of enquiries from 18-year-olds or their parents looking for options on wilderness courses.
2020’s Most In-Demand University: Nature|Charu Kasturi|November 10, 2020|Ozy
She is incapable of responding to kindness and enquiry, even very gentle flirting on the part of a co-worker.
Grief: The Real Monster in The Babadook|Tim Teeman|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Had it been police officers [who harassed Leyland] there would be an IPCC enquiry.
Outed Madeleine McCann Troll Kills Herself. But Millions Live On Online.|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The revelations cames as the Irish government today bowed to pressure and announced a full enquiry into the homes.
Irish Care Home Scandal Grows As Children Revealed To Be Used As Vaccine Guinea Pigs|Tom Sykes|June 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And this time there will be no internal committees of enquiry or scurrilous U.N. Goldstone commissions.
Living By The Sword|Daniel Levy|November 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Police are now following hundreds of lines of enquiry involving many hundreds of potential victims.
Jimmy Savile Scandal Reaches New York Times|Steve Hewlett|November 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Such a refusal would lead to quick enquiry—enquiry to information—information to want of confidence and speedy ruin.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
To our enquiry, the answer was, that "General Lafayette desired to be led to the headquarters."
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
Letters of Enquiry, especially if they request a favor, should contain a few lines of compliment.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
If the enquiry refers to matters interesting only to yourself, enclose a postage-stamp for the reply.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
His mind was originally noble, his heart good, his love to mankind, and his enquiry after truth were sincere.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley

enquiry

Words nearby enquiry

ENQUIRY VS. INQUIRY

What's the difference between enquiry and inquiry?

Quiz yourself on enquiry and inquiry!

Words related to enquiry

How to use enquiry in a sentence