Inquiry vs. Question: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An inquiry is a formal or systematic process of seeking information, while a question is a specific request for information, often direct and straightforward.
Key Differences
Inquiry often implies a deeper, more comprehensive exploration or investigation, while a question is a specific ask, typically concise and focused.
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Dec 03, 2023
Inquiries are usually more formal, often used in professional or academic contexts, while questions can be informal and used in everyday conversations.
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Dec 03, 2023
The purpose of an inquiry is to gain detailed understanding or knowledge, often involving research, whereas a question seeks immediate, specific answers.
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An inquiry can be a prolonged process, involving multiple questions and methods of investigation. In contrast, a question is typically a singular, immediate request.
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Dec 03, 2023
Inquiries may encompass a series of questions, observations, or experiments, while a question is usually a single sentence seeking information or clarification.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Formal, systematic process of investigation or exploration
Specific, direct request for information
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Context
Often used in academic, professional, or official settings
Common in everyday conversation and communication
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Purpose
To gain comprehensive understanding or knowledge
To seek immediate, specific answers
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Process
Can be a prolonged, multi-step process
Typically a singular, immediate request
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Expression
May involve multiple questions, observations, experiments
Usually a single sentence or request
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Inquiry and Question Definitions
Inquiry
Inquiry can refer to a formal request for information.
She sent an inquiry to the university regarding the application process.
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Nov 24, 2023
Question
A question is a sentence worded to elicit information.
She asked a question about the homework assignment.
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Inquiry
In legal or official contexts, an inquiry can be an investigation.
The government ordered an inquiry into the alleged corruption.
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Question
Question can refer to a doubt or uncertainty about something.
His decision raised a question about his judgment.
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Inquiry
An inquiry involves exploring a subject in depth.
The commission launched an inquiry into the industry's practices.
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Question
A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.
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Inquiry
Inquiry can also mean the act of asking questions to gain information.
His inquiry into the history of the building revealed fascinating facts.
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Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
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Question
To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine
Researchers questioning which of the methods will work.
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Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
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Question
To express doubt about; dispute
Questioned his sincerity.
Questioned the expense report.
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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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Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
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Question
A sentence, phrase or word which asks for information, reply or response; an interrogative.
What is your question?
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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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Question
A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.
The question of seniority will be discussed at the meeting.
There was a question of which material to use.
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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
Question
A doubt or challenge about the truth, accuracy, or validity of a matter.
His claim to the property has come under question.
The story is true beyond question.
He obeyed without question.
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Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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Question
A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.
I move that the question be put to a vote.
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Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
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Inquiry
An inquiry is a systematic investigation to find answers or information.
The scientific inquiry into the cause of the phenomenon took several months.
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Question
(transitive) To ask questions of; to interrogate; to ask for information.
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Question
(intransitive) To ask a question or questions; inquire or seek to know; examine.
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Question
The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer.
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Question
Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as, the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.
There arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
It is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith.
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Question
Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture.
He that was in question for the robbery. Shak.The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question.
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Question
That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.
But this question askedPuts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ?
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Question
Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as, a delicate or doubtful question.
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Question
To ask questions; to inquire.
He that questioneth much shall learn much.
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Question
To argue; to converse; to dispute.
I pray you, think you question with the Jew.
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Question
To inquire of by asking questions; to examine by interrogatories; as, to question a witness.
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Question
To doubt of; to be uncertain of; to query.
And most we question what we most desire.
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Question
To raise a question about; to call in question; to make objection to.
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Question
To talk to; to converse with.
With many holiday and lady terms he questioned me.
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Question
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
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Question
The subject matter at issue;
The question of disease merits serious discussion
Under the head of minor Roman poets
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Question
A sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply;
He asked a direct question
He had trouble phrasing his interrogations
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Question
Uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something;
The dubiousness of his claim
There is no question about the validity of the enterprise
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Question
A formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote;
He made a motion to adjourn
She called for the question
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Question
An informal reference to a marriage proposal;
He was ready to pop the question
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Question
Challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of;
We must question your judgment in this matter
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Question
Pose a series of questions to;
The suspect was questioned by the police
We questioned the survivor about the details of the explosion
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Question
Conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
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Question
Place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;
I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
She wondered whether it would snow tonight
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Question
A question is used to inquire about someone's opinion or response.
He posed a question to the audience during the presentation.
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Nov 24, 2023
Question
In examinations or tests, a question is an item requiring an answer.
The first question on the test was surprisingly difficult.
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Question
Question can imply a challenge to something's validity or truth.
The lawyer's statement brought the witness's credibility into question.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does inquiry differ from a question?
Inquiry often implies a more formal or systematic process than a simple question.
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Dec 03, 2023
What is an inquiry?
An inquiry is a request for information, investigation, or an exploration of facts.
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What is the importance of inquiry in learning?
It encourages critical thinking, exploration, and deeper understanding.
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Can inquiry be used in academic research?
Yes, it's a fundamental part of academic research and scientific method.
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Is an inquiry always objective?
Ideally, it should be objective, but it can be influenced by the inquirer's perspective.
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How does one conduct an effective inquiry?
By gathering information methodically, asking relevant questions, and analyzing data objectively.
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Dec 03, 2023
How important are questions in communication?
They are essential for seeking information, encouraging dialogue, and understanding others.
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Can a question be rhetorical?
Yes, rhetorical questions are asked for effect with no answer expected.
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Dec 03, 2023
Can an inquiry be informal?
Yes, it can be informal, like asking for information or clarifying a doubt.
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Is inquiry always verbal?
No, it can be conducted through various means like research, surveys, or experiments.
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Can an inquiry lead to multiple questions?
Yes, often an inquiry comprises several questions or lines of questioning.
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What is a question?
A question is a sentence formulated to elicit information, response, or clarification.
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How do questions facilitate problem-solving?
They help in breaking down the problem and exploring possible solutions.
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Can questions be used as a teaching tool?
Yes, questions stimulate thinking, engagement, and active learning.
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What is a judicial inquiry?
It's an investigation conducted by a judicial body to uncover facts about a legal case.
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What role do questions play in critical thinking?
They prompt analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
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What is a leading question?
A leading question suggests its own answer or biases the respondent.
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What types of questions are there?
Types include open-ended, closed-ended, rhetorical, leading, and probing questions.
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How does one frame a good question?
A good question is clear, concise, and directed towards obtaining specific information.
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Dec 03, 2023
Are questions essential in scientific research?
Yes, they form the basis of hypotheses and guide the research process.
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Dec 03, 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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