enquiry

American  

[en-kwahyuhr-ee, en-kwuh-ree] / ɛnˈkwaɪər i, ˈɛn kwə ri /

noun

enquiries plural

1. inquiry.

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Usage

What's the difference between enquiry and inquiry? 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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• enquiries
  plural

Explanation

The noun enquiry is a British spelling of the word "inquiry." Both words mean the act of asking questions to gain information. If you are in London, you can make enquiries about the opening times of the many museums there. Although enquiry is now considered the variant spelling in the United States, it was the original English spelling of the word that comes from the Old French word enquerre. The noun also means a systematic investigation, usually undertaken for the benefit of the public. If you discover pollution in your local river, the government may open an enquiry into the source of the pollution and ways to clean it up.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

enquiry enquiries

She added: "Nina Simone once said 'An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times' and sometimes this means revisiting, enquiry and challenge."

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

South Korea sent more than 140,000 children overseas for adoption between 1955 and 1999, according to an official enquiry in the country.

From Barron's ● Jun. 4, 2026

Police again thanked the public who have responded to appeals for information and said it would "pursue all avenues of enquiry".

From BBC ● May 17, 2026

"In this case, FCB received an enquiry and considered it," a spokesman for the club told AFP when asked about West.

From Barron's ● Apr. 20, 2026

One question leads to another; scientific enquiry is path-dependent.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Police say their enquiries are ongoing and have appealed for any witnesses to contact them.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

The department also said some enquiries had been football-related during the World Cup, with a caller in Italy asking where they could watch the Scotland v Haiti group game in Milan.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

Sources at London City say they have already had enquiries based on their links to Putellas.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

A 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries, while a man aged 24, and a woman, 25, have been released with no further action.

From BBC ● Jun. 8, 2026

Eager to be alone, and fearful of enquiries or hints from her uncle and aunt, she stayed with them only long enough to hear their favourable opinion of Bingley, and then hurried away to dress.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• inquiry
• inquisition
• query