Enquiry vs. Inquiry: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Enquiry generally refers to the act of asking for information, while inquiry often denotes a formal investigation or systematic study.
Key Differences
Enquiry typically refers to the act of asking questions or seeking information. Inquiry is often used to describe a formal or systematic investigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Enquiry is commonly used in everyday, informal contexts. Inquiry implies a deeper, more formal process of examination or research.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
An enquiry might involve simple questions or requests for information. An inquiry usually suggests a thorough and detailed investigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Enquiry carries a lighter, more casual connotation. Inquiry often implies a serious, detailed, and critical examination.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Enquiry is more common in British English for everyday questions. Inquiry is preferred in American English and in formal contexts, especially in legal or official investigations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
General Use
Asking questions, seeking information
Formal investigation, systematic study
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Nov 19, 2023
Varieties of English
More common in British English
Preferred in American English
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Nov 19, 2023
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Enquiry and Inquiry Definitions
Enquiry
Enquiry means asking for specific information or clarification.
He made an enquiry about the train schedule.
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Nov 16, 2023
Inquiry
Inquiry can be a formal request for information.
The lawyer filed an inquiry to access court records.
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Nov 16, 2023
Enquiry
Enquiry refers to a casual question or request for information.
Her enquiry about the menu suggested she was a first-time visitor.
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Nov 16, 2023
Inquiry
Inquiry refers to a systematic study in academic or professional fields.
Her research involved an inquiry into ancient Roman laws.
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Nov 16, 2023
Enquiry
Enquiry implies a routine or regular question.
The customer service desk handles numerous enquiries daily.
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Inquiry
Inquiry is a formal investigation or detailed examination.
The police launched an inquiry into the missing person's case.
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Enquiry
Enquiry can be an act of inquiring in a non-formal context.
They sent an enquiry to the hotel for room availability.
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Nov 16, 2023
Inquiry
Inquiry often involves critical analysis and in-depth questioning.
The scientific inquiry led to significant discoveries.
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Enquiry
Enquiry is used for seeking guidance or knowledge.
He made an enquiry about the application process.
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Nov 16, 2023
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
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Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
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Oct 19, 2023
Enquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
He could no path nor track of foot descry,Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.
The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Enquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.
All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
Inquiry implies a thorough quest for information.
The committee conducted an inquiry into the financial irregularities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 16, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is enquiry specific to British English?
It's more common in British English but understood universally.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can inquiry refer to legal investigations?
Yes, especially in official or legal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can enquiry be used in formal settings?
It can be, but inquiry is often preferred for formality.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
How is inquiry different from enquiry?
Inquiry implies a more formal, in-depth investigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
What kind of questions does an inquiry involve?
Detailed, critical, and often complex questions.
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Nov 19, 2023
In which contexts is inquiry preferred?
In formal, official, or academic settings.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does enquiry involve detailed investigation?
Not typically; it's usually for straightforward questions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can enquiry be used in customer service?
Yes, it's common in customer-related questions.
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Nov 19, 2023
How can I remember the difference between enquiry and inquiry?
Think of enquiry for casual questions and inquiry for formal investigations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is inquiry used in academic research?
Yes, particularly for systematic or scholarly studies.
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Nov 19, 2023
Are enquiry and inquiry interchangeable?
In some contexts, but they have different connotations.
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Nov 19, 2023
Should legal procedures use enquiry or inquiry?
Inquiry is the preferred term in legal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
How should I use enquiry in a sentence?
As a reference to asking simple or routine questions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Does enquiry have a different meaning in American English?
It's less commonly used but has a similar meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can inquiry be about scientific research?
Yes, it's often used in the context of scientific studies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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