B2noun5K

Enquiry

UK /["/ɪnˈkwaɪəri/"]/US /["/ˈɪnkwəri//ɪnˈkwaɪəri/"]/

Definition

an official process to find out the cause of something or to find out information about something

In simple words: A question or a request for information.

Examples

  • I made an enquiry about the availability of the product.
  • Her enquiry into the matter revealed some surprising facts.
  • You should direct all enquiries to the customer service department.
  • The police conducted an enquiry after the incident.
  • After an enquiry, the board found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Usage notes

Use 'enquiry' in formal or business contexts when asking for information. In casual conversations, 'question' may be more common. Avoid using 'enquiry' in very informal settings.

Grammar pattern

enquiry + about/into + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'inquire-y' — think about asking someone in a formal way.

Collocations

  • detailed
  • thorough
  • full
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • have
  • be underway
  • take place
  • begin
  • report
  • team
  • process
  • at an/​the enquiry
  • during an/​the enquiry
  • in an/​the enquiry
  • a steward’s enquiry
  • the outcome of an enquiry
  • the result of an enquiry
  • exhaustive
  • extensive
  • thorough
  • flood
  • stream
  • make
  • pursue
  • send
  • desk
  • office
  • service
  • pending enquiry
  • enquiry about
  • enquiry as to
  • direct an enquiry to somebody
  • careful
  • systematic
  • further
  • encourage
  • enquiry concerning
  • enquiry into
  • an area of enquiry
  • a board of enquiry
  • a commission of enquiry

Synonyms

  • inquiry
  • question
  • request
  • probe
  • investigation

Antonyms

  • answer
  • response

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'inquiry'; 'enquiry' is often British English.
  • Using 'enquiry' in informal contexts where 'question' is more suitable.
  • Incorrect pluralization; 'enquiries' should not be replaced with 'enquiries'.