Offer vs. Inquiry: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An offer is a proposal or willingness to give something, while an inquiry is a request for information or an investigation.
Key Differences
An offer involves presenting something for acceptance or rejection, suggesting a willingness to enter into a transaction. An inquiry, in contrast, is about seeking information, clarification, or understanding about a particular subject or issue.
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Dec 05, 2023
Offers are integral in various contexts like business, where a service or product is proposed to potential customers. Inquiries are more about questioning, often initiated by the interested party to gain more information about a subject, service, or product.
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Dec 05, 2023
The nature of an offer is to provide, give, or propose something, which can be tangible like goods or intangible like a service or a promise. On the other hand, an inquiry is about seeking or soliciting information, often requiring a response or further investigation.
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Dec 05, 2023
In communication, making an offer typically implies readiness for a specific action or decision, often leading to a conclusion or agreement. Conversely, making an inquiry does not imply immediate action but indicates a desire for understanding or knowledge.
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Dec 05, 2023
The response to an offer usually involves acceptance, rejection, or negotiation, focusing on the terms of the offer. Responses to inquiries are more about providing information, answering questions, or clarifying doubts.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context
Often in transactions or agreements
Information seeking or clarification
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Dec 05, 2023
Response Expected
Acceptance, rejection, negotiation
Information, clarification, investigation
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Dec 05, 2023
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Offer and Inquiry Definitions
Offer
A proposal to provide or give something.
He made an offer to help with the project.
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Nov 27, 2023
Inquiry
A formal investigation or examination.
The inquiry into the accident will start next week.
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Nov 27, 2023
Offer
To present something for acceptance or rejection.
She offered her expertise in the meeting.
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Nov 27, 2023
Inquiry
The process of seeking truth, information, or knowledge.
Through scientific inquiry, they discovered a new species.
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Offer
A suggestion or proposal of a deal or agreement.
The company extended a job offer to the candidate.
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Inquiry
The act of asking questions to gain information.
His inquiry into the history of the building revealed interesting facts.
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Nov 27, 2023
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To present in order to meet a need or satisfy a requirement
Offered new statistics in order to facilitate the decision-making process.
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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
Offer
To propose as payment; bid
Offered only half what I was asking for the car.
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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
Offer
To make available; afford
The situation offers us the opportunity to learn more.
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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
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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Offer
To exhibit readiness or desire (to do something); volunteer
Offered to carry the packages.
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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
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To engage in; put up
Partisans who offered strong resistance to the invaders.
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
A request for information or investigation.
She filed an inquiry about the missing package.
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Nov 27, 2023
Offer
To produce or introduce on the stage
The repertory group is offering two new plays this season.
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Oct 19, 2023
Inquiry
An act of questioning or probing for information.
Her inquiry about the process showed her keen interest.
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Nov 27, 2023
Offer
To present itself
"This plan was dropped, because of its risk, and because a better offered" (T.E. Lawrence).
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Something, such as a suggestion, proposal, bid, or recommendation, that is offered
Did you accept his offer for the car?.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(Law) A proposal that if accepted constitutes a legally binding contract.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
The condition of being offered, especially for sale
Thousands of bushels of wheat on offer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
A proposal that has been made.
What's in his offer?
I decline your offer to contract.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Something put forth, bid, proffered or tendered.
His offer was $3.50 per share.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(legal) An invitation to enter into a binding contract communicated to another party which contains terms sufficiently definite to create an enforceable contract if the other party accepts the invitation.
His first letter was not a real offer, but an attempt to determine interest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(intransitive) To propose or express one's willingness (to do something).
She offered to help with her homework.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(transitive) To present in words; to proffer; to make a proposal of; to suggest.
Everybody offered an opinion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(transitive) To place at someone’s disposal; to present (something) to be either accepted or turned down.
He offered use of his car for the week.
He offered his good will for the Councilman's vote.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(transitive) To present (something) to God or gods as a gesture of worship, or for a sacrifice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To place (something) in a position where it can be added to an existing mechanical assembly.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(transitive) To bid, as a price, reward, or wages.
I offered twenty dollars for it. The company is offering a salary of £30,000 a year.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
(transitive) To put in opposition to; to manifest in an offensive or defensive way; to threaten.
To offer violence to somebody
The peasants offered no resistance as they were rounded up.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To present, as an act of worship; to immolate; to sacrifice; to present in prayer or devotion; - often with up.
Thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement.
A holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To bring to or before; to hold out to; to present for acceptance or rejection; as, to offer a present, or a bribe; to offer one's self in marriage.
I offer thee three things.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To present in words; to proffer; to make a proposal of; to suggest; as, to offer an opinion. With the infinitive as an objective: To make an offer; to declare one's willingness; as, he offered to help me.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To bid, as a price, reward, or wages; as, to offer a guinea for a ring; to offer a salary or reward.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To put in opposition to; to manifest in an offensive way; to threaten; as, to offer violence, attack, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To present itself; to be at hand.
The occasion offers, and the youth complies.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To make an attempt; to make an essay or a trial; - used with at.
He would be offering at the shepherd's voice.
I will not offer at that I can not master.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
The act of offering, bringing forward, proposing, or bidding; a proffer; a first advance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
That which is offered or brought forward; a proposal to be accepted or rejected; a sum offered; a bid.
When offers are disdained, and love denied.
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Something offered (as a proposal or bid);
Noteworthy new offerings for investors included several index funds
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Make available or accessible, provide or furnish;
The conference center offers a health spa
The hotel offers private meeting rooms
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Agree freely;
She volunteered to drive the old lady home
I offered to help with the dishes but the hostess would not hear of it
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Make available for sale;
The stores are offering specials on sweaters this week
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Propose a payment;
The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Produce or introduce on the stage;
The Shakespeare Company is offering `King Lear' this month
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Make available; provide;
Extend a loan
The bank offers a good deal on new mortgages
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Ask (someone) to marry you;
He popped the question on Sunday night
She proposed marriage to the man she had known for only two months
The old bachelor finally declared himself to the young woman
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
Threaten to do something;
I offered to leave the committee if they did not accept my proposal
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Oct 19, 2023
Offer
To make a proposal of marriage.
He offered marriage during a romantic dinner.
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Nov 27, 2023
Offer
The act of presenting something as a possibility.
The offer to collaborate was accepted enthusiastically.
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Nov 27, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the purpose of making an offer?
To propose something for acceptance or rejection.
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Dec 05, 2023
How is an offer typically responded to?
It's usually met with acceptance, rejection, or negotiation.
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Dec 05, 2023
What does an inquiry typically involve?
It involves seeking or requesting information.
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Dec 05, 2023
What role do inquiries play in research?
Inquiries are essential in research for gathering information and evidence.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is an inquiry always related to investigation?
Not always, it can also be a general request for information.
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Are inquiries always verbal?
Inquiries can be verbal, written, or through other communication forms.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can inquiries lead to further action?
Yes, inquiries may lead to further action or investigation.
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Dec 05, 2023
What is the outcome of an inquiry?
It leads to gaining knowledge or understanding.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can offers be legally binding?
Yes, certain offers, especially in business, can be legally binding.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can an offer be revoked?
Yes, an offer can be withdrawn before it's accepted.
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Dec 05, 2023
Are all offers financial?
No, offers can be about anything, not just financial proposals.
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Dec 05, 2023
What kind of inquiries are there in a legal context?
Legal inquiries can include investigations, hearings, or formal questions.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can offers lead to negotiations?
Yes, offers often lead to negotiations, especially in business contexts.
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Dec 05, 2023
What is the goal of an inquiry in journalism?
In journalism, the goal of an inquiry is to uncover truth and report on facts.
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Dec 05, 2023
How important is clarity in an inquiry?
Clarity is crucial in inquiries to ensure accurate and relevant information is obtained.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is an offer always positive?
Not necessarily; it depends on the context and the recipient's perspective.
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Dec 05, 2023
What is the difference between an inquiry and a question?
An inquiry is a formal or structured request for information, while a question can be more informal.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can anyone make an offer?
Yes, anyone can make an offer, but its validity depends on the context.
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Dec 05, 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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