Cool MateEnquire vs Query
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enquire
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)C1verb
Query
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Most formal: EnquireMost common: Query
| Enquire | Query | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪəd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪər/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərz/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərd/","/ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkwɪəri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkwɪri/"]/ |
| Meaning | To ask about something. | A question you ask to get information. |
| Example | I called the garage to enquire about progress on the repairs. | Our assistants will be happy to answer your queries. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | further, pleasantly, politely, about, after, as to | customer, email, search, have, raise, email, query about, query as to, query concerning |
| Antonyms | ignore, answer, respond | answer, response, reply |
| 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. | Confused with 'inquiry', thinking they mean the same., Using 'query' in very casual situations where 'ask' would be better., Incorrectly using 'query' with a subject instead of an object. |
| 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 'query' when asking for detailed information, especially in formal contexts like research or databases. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'question' might fit better. |
Frequently asked questions: Enquire vs Query
What's the difference between Enquire and Query?
Enquire: To ask about something. Query: A question you ask to get information.
Which is more formal: Enquire and Query?
Enquire is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Enquire and Query?
Query is the most common in everyday English.
Are Enquire and Query the same CEFR level?
Enquire: C1, Query: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Enquire and Query?
Enquire: verb, Query: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Enquire: I called the garage to enquire about progress on the repairs. Query: Our assistants will be happy to answer your queries.
Can I use Enquire and Query interchangeably?
Not always. Enquire and Query 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.