Cool MateInquire vs Look into that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Inquire
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B1verb
Look into that
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: InquireMost common: Look into that
| Inquire | Look into that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkwaɪər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lʊk ˈɪntuː ðæt//🇺🇸 //lʊk ˈɪntu ðæt// |
| Meaning | to ask about something | Check or investigate that. |
| Example | I called the school to inquire about the application process. | Can you look into that problem we discussed earlier? |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | inquire about, inquire into, inquire if, inquire regarding, inquire as to | look into details, look into options, look into issues, look into solutions, look into reports |
| Antonyms | ignore, disregard, ignore | - |
| 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 'look over' which implies a quick examination., Using 'look into that' when discussing physical objects rather than abstract issues., Incorrectly implying a casual mindset when suggesting research. |
| 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. | Used in both spoken and written English to suggest examining something. It's generally polite and appropriate in various contexts, but may sound informal in a very formal setting. |
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Frequently asked questions: Inquire vs Look into that
What's the difference between Inquire and Look into that?
Inquire: to ask about something Look into that: Check or investigate that.
Which is more formal: Inquire and Look into that?
Inquire is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Inquire and Look into that?
Look into that is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Inquire: I called the school to inquire about the application process. Look into that: Can you look into that problem we discussed earlier?
Can I use Inquire and Look into that interchangeably?
Not always. Inquire and Look into that 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.