Cool MateInquire vs Query
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Inquire
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B1verb
Query
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Most formal: InquireMost common: Query
| Inquire | Query | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkwɪəri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkwɪri/"]/ |
| Meaning | to ask about something | A question you ask to get information. |
| Example | I called the school to inquire about the application process. | 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 | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | inquire about, inquire into, inquire if, inquire regarding, inquire as to | customer, email, search, have, raise, email, query about, query as to, query concerning |
| Antonyms | ignore, disregard, ignore | answer, response, reply |
| Common mistakes | 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'). | 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 '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. | 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: Inquire vs Query
What's the difference between Inquire and Query?
Inquire: to ask about something Query: A question you ask to get information.
Which is more formal: Inquire and Query?
Inquire is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Inquire and Query?
Query is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Inquire and Query?
Query is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Inquire and Query the same CEFR level?
Inquire: B1, Query: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Inquire and Query?
Inquire: verb, Query: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Inquire: I called the school to inquire about the application process. Query: Our assistants will be happy to answer your queries.
Can I use Inquire and Query interchangeably?
Not always. Inquire 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.