inquiry
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The act of asking for information; an official process to discover the facts about something.
A systematic investigation; a process of seeking truth, knowledge, or information, often formal or official.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Can refer to both a single question ('I made an inquiry about the price') and a lengthy formal investigation ('a public inquiry').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, both 'inquiry' and 'enquiry' are used, often with a subtle distinction: 'enquiry' for a simple question, 'inquiry' for a formal investigation. In American English, 'inquiry' is used for all senses.
Connotations
In British English, 'inquiry' often carries a more formal, official, or legal connotation. In American English, the connotation is neutral for all levels of questioning.
Frequency
In AmE, 'inquiry' is overwhelmingly dominant. In BrE, 'enquiry' is common for general questions, but 'inquiry' is standard for official investigations and is also widely used generally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
inquiry into + NPinquiry about + NPinquiry as to + wh-clauseinquiry from + NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a court of inquiry”
- “the spirit of inquiry”
- “hold an inquiry”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Customer service handles all inquiries regarding billing.
Academic
The thesis is based on a rigorous process of scientific inquiry.
Everyday
I'll make an inquiry at the information desk.
Technical
The debug log contains a record of all database inquiries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We shall inquire into the matter promptly.
- May I enquire about your availability?
American English
- We will inquire into the matter promptly.
- May I inquire about your availability?
adverb
British English
- He looked at her inquiringly.
- She spoke inquiringly of the new policy.
American English
- He looked at her inquiringly.
- She spoke inquiringly of the new policy.
adjective
British English
- The inquiry panel published its findings.
- She has an inquiring mind.
American English
- The inquiry committee published its findings.
- She has an inquiring mind.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have an inquiry about the bus schedule.
- She made an inquiry at the hotel reception.
- The police have launched an inquiry into the accident.
- All customer inquiries should be directed to this email.
- The government's inquiry into the banking scandal lasted over two years.
- Philosophical inquiry often begins with a simple 'why?'
- The judge ordered a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts of the alleged misconduct.
- His research represents a seminal work of historical inquiry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You require an ANSWER, so you make an INQUIRY.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEEKING IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'a line of inquiry', 'follow up an inquiry'), KNOWLEDGE IS LIGHT (e.g., 'shed light on the subject of inquiry').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'question' (вопрос). 'Inquiry' often implies a process or a formal request. The Russian 'расследование' or 'запрос' are closer in different contexts.
- Avoid translating 'inquiry office' literally; 'information desk' is more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using a plural verb with 'inquiry' when it's singular (e.g., 'The inquiry are ongoing' is wrong).
- Misspelling as 'enquiry' in American contexts.
- Confusing 'inquiry' with 'request' (an inquiry seeks information; a request seeks action or an object).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'inquiry' used in its most formal sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, 'enquiry' is often used for a general question, and 'inquiry' for a formal investigation. In American English, 'inquiry' is used for all senses.
It is countable. You can have 'an inquiry' or 'several inquiries'.
No, 'inquiry' is solely a noun. The verb form is 'inquire' (or 'enquire' in BrE).
The most common prepositions are 'into' (for investigations) and 'about' (for questions), e.g., 'an inquiry into corruption', 'an inquiry about prices'.