C1verb formal 10K+

Enquire

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪnˈkwaɪər/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Enquire

to ask somebody for some information

In simple words: To ask about something.

Enquire in a sentence

• I called the garage to enquire about progress on the repairs.
• She enquired as to your whereabouts.
• Might I enquire why you have not mentioned this until now?
• He enquired her name.
• ‘What is your name?’ he enquired.

How to use Enquire

Use 'enquire' in formal situations or when seeking information politely. It is less common in everyday conversation where 'ask' would be used.

Grammar pattern

enquire + object

Memory hint

'Enquire' sounds like 'inquire' — think of a polite detective asking questions.

Related words

Collocations with Enquire

• further
• pleasantly
• politely
• about
• after
• as to

Synonyms for Enquire

• inquire
• ask
• probe
• query
• question

Opposites of Enquire

• ignore
• answer
• respond

Common mistakes with Enquire

• Confused with 'inquire' — both can mean the same, but 'enquire' is more common in British English.
• Incorrectly using 'enquire' as a noun — it is a verb.
• Using in informal contexts where 'ask' is more appropriate.

Frequently asked questions about Enquire

What does Enquire mean?

To ask about something.

What is the definition of Enquire?

to ask somebody for some information

How do you use Enquire in a sentence?

I called the garage to enquire about progress on the repairs.

Can you give another example of Enquire?

She enquired as to your whereabouts.

What are synonyms for Enquire?

Common alternatives include inquire, ask, probe, query, question.

What is the opposite of Enquire?

Opposite meanings include ignore, answer, respond.

What words go with Enquire?

It commonly pairs with further, pleasantly, politely, about, after, as to.

What are common mistakes when using Enquire?

Confused with 'inquire' — both can mean the same, but 'enquire' is more common in British English. Incorrectly using 'enquire' as a noun — it is a verb. Using in informal contexts where 'ask' is more appropriate.

How do you pronounce Enquire?

US: /["/ɪnˈkwaɪər/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Enquire formal or informal?

"Enquire" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Enquire?

Use 'enquire' in formal situations or when seeking information politely. It is less common in everyday conversation where 'ask' would be used.

What CEFR level is Enquire?

"Enquire" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.