enquiry

American  

[en-kwahyuhr-ee, en-kwuh-ree] / ɛnˈkwaɪər i, ˈɛn kwə ri /

noun

plural

enquiries

1. inquiry.

---

Usage

What's the difference between enquiry and inquiry? Enquiry and inquiry have the same meanings: a question, an investigation, a request for information, or the process of seeking information. Enquiry is a less common variant of inquiry. Their verb forms—enquire and inquire—also mean the same thing: to ask, to seek information, or to investigate. Both enquiry and inquiry are somewhat formal, especially compared to similar terms like question or investigation. Some speakers of British English may use both words, preferring enquiry in contexts that are less formal. In the U. S., enquiry is rarely used. Here’s an example of enquiry used correctly in a sentence. Example: I forwarded you an email with an enquiry about the open position. Inquiry could be used in this sentence in the same exact way. Most of these same distinctions apply to the verbs enquire and inquire. To learn more about them, read the full breakdown of the difference between enquire and inquire.

Explanation

The noun enquiry is a British spelling of the word "inquiry." Both words mean the act of asking questions to gain information. If you are in London, you can make enquiries about the opening times of the many museums there. Although enquiry is now considered the variant spelling in the United States, it was the original English spelling of the word that comes from the Old French word enquerre. The noun also means a systematic investigation, usually undertaken for the benefit of the public. If you discover pollution in your local river, the government may open an enquiry into the source of the pollution and ways to clean it up.

Example Sentences

It is understood that FC Basel was approached about a possible June 26 concert date but turned down the enquiry.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

"In this case, FCB received an enquiry and considered it," a spokesman for the club told AFP when asked about West.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

We asked for its response to reports that the car had been stationary and fired on without warning, and were told to direct our enquiry to the police.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Det Supt James Halkett said at the time that detectives were carrying out a "complex and active investigation in which we are pursuing all lines of enquiry".

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Each minute was so long that in it there was ample time for contemplation and enquiry.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Related Words

• inquiry
• inquisition
• query