enquire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral; more formal than 'ask'.
Quick answer
What does “enquire” mean?
To ask for information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To ask for information.
To formally investigate or examine; to make a request about details or the nature of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'enquire' is standard for general asking. In AmE, 'inquire' is strongly preferred for all uses; 'enquire' is rare and often seen as a stylistic variant or misspelling.
Connotations
In BrE, 'enquire' can sound polite or formal. In AmE, 'inquire' is neutral-formal; 'enquire' might be seen as affected or British.
Frequency
High frequency in BrE; very low frequency in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “enquire” in a Sentence
enquire about somethingenquire into somethingenquire of somebodyenquire + wh-clause (where, when, how)enquire whether/ifVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enquire” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to enquire at the library for local records.
- May I enquire why you arrived so late?
- The committee will enquire into the allegations.
American English
- She decided to inquire at the library for local records. (AmE usage)
- He inquired about the job opening. (AmE usage)
- The panel will inquire into the matter. (AmE usage)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal emails or meetings: 'I am writing to enquire about the delivery status.'
Academic
Used in research contexts: 'The study will enquire into the causes of this phenomenon.'
Everyday
Polite, formal asking: 'I called to enquire about train times.'
Technical
Less common; 'inquire' preferred in technical/legal documentation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enquire”
- Using 'enquire' for ordering something (use 'order' or 'request').
- Using 'enquire' with 'for' (enquire for a brochure) is less standard than 'enquire about'.
- Misspelling as 'enquirey' or 'enquirie'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In meaning, yes. In usage, 'enquire' is standard British English for general asking, while 'inquire' is preferred in American English and for formal investigations in BrE.
It is safer to use 'inquire' in American contexts, as 'enquire' is rare and may be marked as a British spelling.
The noun is 'enquiry' in British English (e.g., 'make an enquiry'). In American English, it is almost always 'inquiry'.
Use 'enquire after someone' to ask about a person's health or general well-being, often in a polite or formal context (e.g., 'He enquired after your mother').
To ask for information.
Enquire is usually formal to neutral; more formal than 'ask'. in register.
Enquire: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈkwaɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Enquire within (on shop signs)”
- “To enquire after someone (ask about their health/well-being)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a British QUEEN who wants to QUIRE (old word for 'ask') information. EN-QUIRE.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A PLACE TO BE EXPLORED (enquire into); INFORMATION IS A HIDDEN OBJECT (enquire about).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'enquire' LEAST appropriate?