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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Seeking information, often in a broad sense
Asking a specific question, typically precise
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Scope
Can be wide, covering various aspects
Usually focused on a particular point
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Usage Example
Making an enquiry at a service desk
Submitting a query to a database
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Enquiry and Query Definitions
Enquiry
A request for information.
She made an enquiry about the library's opening hours.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Query
An expression of doubt or uncertainty.
Her query about the accuracy of the report prompted a review.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Enquiry
A question asked for the purpose of clarification.
His enquiry about the project's deadline was timely.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Query
A question, especially one addressing a specific issue.
He submitted a query regarding his bill.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Enquiry
An investigation or examination.
The police launched an enquiry into the incident.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Query
A request for information from a computer system.
The database administrator wrote a query to retrieve customer data.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Enquiry
Seeking knowledge or information.
Her enquiry into ancient history fascinated her.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Query
Seeking a specific piece of information.
His query was about the exact dimensions of the product.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Enquiry
A formal instance of questioning.
The committee held an enquiry to discuss the new policy.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Query
A notation, usually a question mark, calling attention to an item in order to question its validity or accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
To express doubt or uncertainty about; question
Query someone's motives.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enquiry
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
Query
To mark (an item) with a notation in order to question its validity or accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Enquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
A question, an inquiry US, an enquiry UK.
The teacher answered the student’s query concerning biosynthesis.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
A set of instructions passed to a database.
The database admin switched on query logging for debugging purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
To pass a set of instructions to a database to retrieve information from it.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
A question in the mind; a doubt; as, I have a query about his sincerity.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
To ask questions; to make inquiry.
Each prompt to query, answer, and debate.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
To write " query" (qu., qy., or ?) against, as a doubtful spelling, or sense, in a proof. See Quære.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Query
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
Query
A question in a professional or technical context.
The scientist posed a query about the experimental results.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can enquiry be used in a formal context?
Yes, enquiry can be used formally, like in customer service or research.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
What is an enquiry?
An enquiry is a request for information or clarification.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is query often used in computing?
Yes, query is commonly used in computing to request information from databases.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can an enquiry be broad in scope?
Yes, enquiries can cover a wide range of information or topics.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can an enquiry be informal?
Yes, enquiries can be informal, like asking for directions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
How does a query differ from an enquiry?
A query is usually a specific question, often for precise information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Are queries typically short and specific?
Yes, queries are often concise and target specific information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can a query be a form of expressing doubt?
Yes, a query can express doubt or seek clarification on a point.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can a query lead to further discussion?
Yes, a query can prompt further discussion or investigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can an enquiry lead to a detailed investigation?
Yes, an enquiry can initiate a comprehensive investigation or research.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is query used in everyday language?
Query is used in everyday language, especially when asking specific questions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is a query usually related to a single issue?
Typically, a query addresses a single, specific issue.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is enquiry a common term in journalism?
Yes, enquiry is commonly used in journalism to refer to investigative work.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can a query be a tool for learning?
Absolutely, queries are essential tools for learning and understanding specific topics.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can an enquiry involve multiple questions?
Yes, an enquiry can include several related questions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Can queries be used in academic research?
Yes, queries are often used in academic research to obtain specific data.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Are enquiries always related to seeking information?
Generally, enquiries are made to seek information or clarification.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Do businesses use enquiries for customer feedback?
Yes, businesses often use enquiries to gather customer feedback.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Is enquiry used in legal contexts?
Yes, enquiry is used in legal contexts, often referring to formal investigations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
