Enquiry vs. Query: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An enquiry is an act of asking for information, while a query is a question, often specific, raised for information or clarification.
Key Differences
Enquiry generally refers to the process of seeking information or clarity, often in a formal or detailed manner. Query, in contrast, is typically a specific question aimed at obtaining particular information.
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Nov 11, 2023
In the context of research or investigation, an enquiry can imply a comprehensive process of finding out information. A query, however, often suggests a more focused question, possibly seeking a precise piece of information.
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Nov 11, 2023
Enquiry might involve exploration or discussion, extending beyond a simple question. Query usually denotes a concise question, possibly requiring a direct answer or specific data.
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While enquiry can be used in broader contexts like making an inquiry at a customer service desk, a query is often used in technical or specialized contexts, such as computing where it denotes a request for information from a database.
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The scope of an enquiry can be wide, covering a range of aspects about a subject. In contrast, a query often targets a singular aspect, seeking a clear, specific response.
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Nov 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Seeking information, often in a broad sense
Asking a specific question, typically precise
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Scope
Can be wide, covering various aspects
Usually focused on a particular point
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Usage Example
Making an enquiry at a service desk
Submitting a query to a database
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Enquiry and Query Definitions
Enquiry
A request for information.
She made an enquiry about the library's opening hours.
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Query
An expression of doubt or uncertainty.
Her query about the accuracy of the report prompted a review.
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Enquiry
A question asked for the purpose of clarification.
His enquiry about the project's deadline was timely.
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Query
A question, especially one addressing a specific issue.
He submitted a query regarding his bill.
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Enquiry
An investigation or examination.
The police launched an enquiry into the incident.
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Query
A request for information from a computer system.
The database administrator wrote a query to retrieve customer data.
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Enquiry
Seeking knowledge or information.
Her enquiry into ancient history fascinated her.
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Query
Seeking a specific piece of information.
His query was about the exact dimensions of the product.
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Enquiry
A formal instance of questioning.
The committee held an enquiry to discuss the new policy.
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Query
A notation, usually a question mark, calling attention to an item in order to question its validity or accuracy.
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Query
To express doubt or uncertainty about; question
Query someone's motives.
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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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Query
To mark (an item) with a notation in order to question its validity or accuracy.
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Enquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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Query
A question, an inquiry US, an enquiry UK.
The teacher answered the student’s query concerning biosynthesis.
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Query
A set of instructions passed to a database.
The database admin switched on query logging for debugging purposes.
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Query
To pass a set of instructions to a database to retrieve information from it.
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Query
A question; an inquiry to be answered or solved.
I shall conclude with proposing only some queries, in order to a . . . search to be made by others.
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Query
A question in the mind; a doubt; as, I have a query about his sincerity.
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Query
To ask questions; to make inquiry.
Each prompt to query, answer, and debate.
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Query
To put questions about; to elicit by questioning; to inquire into; as, to query the items or the amount; to query the motive or the fact.
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Query
To write " query" (qu., qy., or ?) against, as a doubtful spelling, or sense, in a proof. See Quære.
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Query
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
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Query
A question in a professional or technical context.
The scientist posed a query about the experimental results.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can enquiry be used in a formal context?
Yes, enquiry can be used formally, like in customer service or research.
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What is an enquiry?
An enquiry is a request for information or clarification.
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Is query often used in computing?
Yes, query is commonly used in computing to request information from databases.
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Can an enquiry be broad in scope?
Yes, enquiries can cover a wide range of information or topics.
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Can an enquiry be informal?
Yes, enquiries can be informal, like asking for directions.
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How does a query differ from an enquiry?
A query is usually a specific question, often for precise information.
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Are queries typically short and specific?
Yes, queries are often concise and target specific information.
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Can a query be a form of expressing doubt?
Yes, a query can express doubt or seek clarification on a point.
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Can a query lead to further discussion?
Yes, a query can prompt further discussion or investigation.
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Can an enquiry lead to a detailed investigation?
Yes, an enquiry can initiate a comprehensive investigation or research.
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Is query used in everyday language?
Query is used in everyday language, especially when asking specific questions.
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Is a query usually related to a single issue?
Typically, a query addresses a single, specific issue.
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Is enquiry a common term in journalism?
Yes, enquiry is commonly used in journalism to refer to investigative work.
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Can a query be a tool for learning?
Absolutely, queries are essential tools for learning and understanding specific topics.
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Can an enquiry involve multiple questions?
Yes, an enquiry can include several related questions.
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Can queries be used in academic research?
Yes, queries are often used in academic research to obtain specific data.
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Are enquiries always related to seeking information?
Generally, enquiries are made to seek information or clarification.
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Do businesses use enquiries for customer feedback?
Yes, businesses often use enquiries to gather customer feedback.
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Is enquiry used in legal contexts?
Yes, enquiry is used in legal contexts, often referring to formal investigations.
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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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