Cool MateEnquire vs Inquire
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enquire
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)C1verb
Inquire
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B1verb
| Enquire | Inquire | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪər/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪər/"]/ |
| Meaning | To ask about something. | to ask about something |
| Example | I called the garage to enquire about progress on the repairs. | I called the school to inquire about the application process. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | further, pleasantly, politely, about, after, as to | inquire about, inquire into, inquire if, inquire regarding, inquire as to |
| Antonyms | ignore, answer, respond | ignore, disregard, ignore |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Using 'inquire' instead of 'require'., Confusing 'inquire' with 'enquire' (especially in British English)., Using 'inquire' without a specific subject (e.g., 'I want to inquire the details' instead of 'I want to inquire about the details'). |
| Usage notes | Use 'enquire' in formal situations or when seeking information politely. It is less common in everyday conversation where 'ask' would be used. | Use 'inquire' in formal contexts, such as business or official situations. It's less common in everyday conversation, where 'ask' is preferred. Avoid using it in informal settings. |
Frequently asked questions: Enquire vs Inquire
What's the difference between Enquire and Inquire?
Enquire: To ask about something. Inquire: to ask about something
Which is more advanced: Enquire and Inquire?
Enquire is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Enquire and Inquire the same CEFR level?
Enquire: C1, Inquire: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Enquire and Inquire?
Enquire: verb, Inquire: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Enquire: I called the garage to enquire about progress on the repairs. Inquire: I called the school to inquire about the application process.
Can I use Enquire and Inquire interchangeably?
Not always. Enquire and Inquire are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.