Inquire vs. Enquire: What’s the Difference?

Both inquire and enquire mean to ask for information, and in many cases, you can use either one.

However, there’s a subtle difference based on region and formality.

• Inquire → preferred in American English, and often used for formal or official investigations.
• Enquire → more common in British English, and often used for general questions.

Let’s take a closer look.

Inquire: To Ask Formally or Officially

Meaning

“Inquire” means to ask for information or investigate something seriously or officially.
It’s used in formal writing, business, and legal contexts, especially in the U.S.

Examples (10 total)

1. I inquired about the price of the new model.
2. The police will inquire into the cause of the accident.
3. She inquired whether the meeting had started.
4. You can inquire at the front desk for directions.
5. We inquired about the hotel’s refund policy.
6. The board will inquire into the company’s finances.
7. He inquired about the scholarship opportunities.
8. I inquired if the doctor was available.
9. The senator promised to inquire into the matter.
10. Guests should inquire for room service at reception.

🧠 Tip:
If you’re writing something formal — a report, business letter, or legal text — use inquire.

Enquire: To Ask Casually or Informally

Meaning

“Enquire” means to ask a question or seek information in general conversation.
It’s more common in British English and casual contexts.

Examples (10 total)

1. She enquired about your health.
2. I enquired where the restroom was.
3. They enquired if tickets were still available.
4. We enquired about the next train to London.
5. He enquired what time the shop closed.
6. The customer enquired about delivery options.
7. She enquired if he was free for lunch.
8. I enquired about the opening hours.
9. He enquired politely at the counter.
10. We enquired whether pets were allowed.

🧠 Tip:
If you’re just asking something — not investigating — use enquire (especially in British English).

Quick Comparison Table

Regional Preferences

• American English:
  Americans almost always use inquire for both formal and informal situations.
  Example: I inquired about the new course schedule.

• British English:
  The U.K. often distinguishes between them:

  • Enquire = to ask casually.
  • Inquire = to investigate formally.
    Example: She enquired about the fee, but the school will inquire into her complaint.

How to Remember the Difference

👉 Inquire = Investigate officially
👉 Enquire = Ask casually

💡 Memory Trick:

Inquire starts with “I” — think “Investigation.”
Enquire starts with “E” — think “Everyday question.”

Common Mistakes

❌ I enquired into the cause of the fire.
✅ I inquired into the cause of the fire.

❌ Please inquire if the bus is late.
✅ Please enquire if the bus is late. (U.K. style)

Why Writers Mix Them Up

They both sound identical and share a root from Latin quaerere, meaning to seek.
In practice, inquire has become the universal choice in the U.S., while British writers keep both forms distinct.
Even AI often confuses them, which is why Humanizey refines subtle usage details automatically, keeping your English natural and regionally accurate.

FAQs

1. Is “inquire” American and “enquire” British?

Yes, that’s the general rule. Americans prefer inquire; Brits use both, depending on context.

2. Is “enquiry” the same as “inquiry”?

They follow the same pattern:

• Inquiry = formal investigation
• Enquiry = general question (British English)

3. Can I use “inquire” in casual writing?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine — just slightly more formal.

4. Which is more common worldwide?

Inquire and inquiry are more common overall, especially online and in international English.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Inquire” or “Enquire”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. She called to ___ about job openings.
2. The committee will ___ into the recent complaints.
3. I went to the counter to ___ about train tickets.
4. Reporters tried to ___ into the missing files.
5. They ___ whether the restaurant was still open.
6. The lawyer promised to ___ about your case.
7. Tourists often ___ about nearby attractions.
8. The police will ___ into the accident.
9. I just wanted to ___ how you’re doing.
10. The school plans to ___ into the budget issue.

Answers

1. inquire / enquire
2. inquire
3. enquire
4. inquire
5. enquire
6. inquire
7. enquire
8. inquire
9. enquire
10. inquire