inquire
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To ask for information.
To conduct a formal investigation or examination into a matter.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a process of seeking factual or detailed information. Can imply a formal, systematic process when used with 'into'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'inquire' is used for general questioning and 'enquire' for casual asking (though often used interchangeably). In American English, 'inquire' is strongly preferred for all senses.
Connotations
In British usage, 'enquire' can feel slightly less formal. In American usage, 'inquire' carries no such distinction.
Frequency
"Inquire" is significantly more frequent in American English. In British English, "enquire/enquiry" is common for initial questions, while "inquire/inquiry" is used for formal investigations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
inquire + about + NPinquire + into + NPinquire + wh-clause (e.g., when, how)inquire + of + personVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “inquire within (on signs)”
- “to inquire too closely into something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formal for asking about services, prices, or procedures (e.g., 'I am writing to inquire about the vacancy').
Academic
Used in research contexts to denote systematic investigation (e.g., 'The study inquires into the causes of...').
Everyday
Polite or formal way to ask a question (e.g., 'She inquired about his health').
Technical
Less common; 'query' or 'investigate' are often preferred in IT/scientific contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll enquire at the front desk for you.
- The committee decided to inquire into the allegations.
American English
- I'll inquire at the front desk for you.
- A special prosecutor was appointed to inquire into the matter.
adverb
British English
- He looked at me inquiringly.
- She tilted her head inquiringly.
American English
- He looked at me inquiringly.
- She tilted her head inquiringly.
adjective
British English
- The inquiring look on her face showed her confusion.
- He has an inquiring mind.
American English
- The inquiring look on her face showed her confusion.
- She has an inquiring mind.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need to inquire about the bus schedule.
- He inquired the price of the toy.
- She inquired politely if the meeting was still on.
- We should inquire at the tourist office for a map.
- The journalist began to inquire into the company's financial dealings.
- If you require further details, please do not hesitate to inquire.
- The commission's remit is to inquire thoroughly into the root causes of the systemic failure.
- Philosophers have long inquired into the nature of consciousness.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN-formation QUEst-ion = INQUIRE. You go INto a topic with a QUEstion.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / INFORMATION IS A DESTINATION (e.g., 'inquire into' suggests looking inside or journeying into a topic).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'спрашивать' for formal contexts; it's often better rendered as 'осведомляться', 'узнавать'.
- Don't confuse with 'require' (требовать).
Common Mistakes
- *I inquired him about the time. (Correct: I inquired OF him / I asked him)
- *She inquired to know the price. (Redundant; Correct: She inquired about the price.)
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows 'inquire' when investigating a subject?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Inquire' is more formal and often implies seeking specific information, while 'ask' is general and neutral.
Rarely. You inquire ABOUT something, INTO something, or OF someone. You do not usually 'inquire something' (except in very archaic usage).
In American English, always use 'inquire'. In British English, use 'enquire' for general questions and 'inquire' for formal investigations, though the distinction is blurring.
Yes, when describing an ongoing process of asking or investigating (e.g., 'He is inquiring about the job').
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