Enquire vs Inquire: What's the Difference?

Discover when to use enquire vs inquire. Learn the different uses of each word in British and American English with examples and clear explanations.

You may have seen both enquire and inquire used in English. These words look and sound similar, but do they mean the same thing? The short answer is yes, but the difference lies in usage and regional preferences.

This article explains the meanings, historical background, and how to use each term correctly. You will also see real-world examples to help you understand them better.

The Meaning of Inquire and Enquire

Both inquire and enquire are verbs and mean “to ask for information.” You use them when seeking knowledge, clarifications, or making an official request.

Examples:

I will inquire about the new job openings.
She enquired about the price of the dress.

While these words share a meaning, their usage differs based on region and context.

British English vs. American English

English varies depending on the country. The main difference in enquire vs. inquire comes from British vs. American English.

In American English:

Inquire is the standard word. Enquire is rarely used.

She inquired about the status of her application. ✅
She enquired about the status of her application. ❌ (Uncommon in the U.S.)

In British English:

Both enquire and inquire are used, but they have different connotations.

Enquire = A general question
- He enquired about the next train to London.
Inquire = A formal or official investigation
- The police will inquire into the missing documents.

In the UK, while people do often interchange the words, this distinction is followed.

When to Use Enquire vs. Inquire

If you’re using American English you should always use inquire. If you’re using British English the rules are a little different.

When to Use “Enquire”

You should use enquire when asking a general question or seeking information in British English. It is commonly used for everyday queries, such as asking about prices, availability, or general details. In contrast, inquire is reserved for more formal investigations.

For example, if you want to know the cost of a service, you might say:

I enquired about the price of the gym membership.

Or, if you are asking about a schedule, you could say:

She enquired about the next train to London.

In British English, enquire is the preferred spelling for informal questions, while inquire is used for official investigations. However, many people use enquire and inquire interchangeably in everyday speech.

If you’re writing in American English, always use inquire, as enquire is rarely used.

When to Use “Inquire”

You should use inquire when asking for information, especially in formal or official contexts. It is the preferred spelling in American English for all types of questions, whether general or formal.

In British English, inquire is typically used when referring to an investigation, an official request, or a serious matter.

For example, if a company wants to investigate a security breach, they might say:

The management will inquire into the cause of the system failure.

If you’re asking for details about a job application, you could say:

I would like to inquire about the status of my application.

In professional or legal settings, inquire is the correct choice. You might hear phrases like “inquire into” (meaning to investigate something) or “make an inquiry” (meaning to request official information). For instance:

The police are inquiring into the fraud allegations.
She made an official inquiry about the university’s admission process.

If you’re writing in American English, always use inquire for any situation. If you’re writing in British English, use inquire for formal and investigative purposes, while enquire is better for everyday questions.

Overview

If you write in American English, always use inquire.
If you write in British English, follow these rules:

Situation	British English Word	American English Word
General question	Enquire	Inquire
Formal investigation	Inquire	Inquire

Examples in Sentences

Here are some examples of when to use enquire and inquire in British English:

Using “Enquire” (General Questions)

I enquired about the availability of tickets.
She enquired whether the store had her size.
We enquired about hotel prices before booking.

Using “Inquire” (Formal Investigations)

The police will inquire into the suspect’s background.
A committee was formed to inquire about financial fraud.
He inquired about his lost passport at the embassy.

In the U.S., you would replace “enquire” with “inquire” in all the above cases.

Common Phrases with Enquire and Inquire

Here are some common phrases you’ll encounter with each word:

Popular Phrases with “Enquire”:

Enquire about – He enquired about the best restaurants nearby.
Enquire whether – She enquired whether the flight was on time.

Popular Phrases with “Inquire”:

Inquire about – She inquired about the refund policy.
Inquire into – The lawyer will inquire into the matter.
Make an inquiry – I made an inquiry about the scholarship program.

Again, in the U.S., “inquire” is used for all these cases.

Enquiry vs. Inquiry: What’s the Difference?

Just like enquire and inquire, the words enquiry and inquiry mean the same thing: a request for information or an investigation. As nouns, they denote the act of seeking information or an official investigation. However, their usage differs based on region and context.

American English

In American English, inquiry is the standard spelling. Whether you’re referring to a general question or a formal investigation, inquiry is the correct choice. For example, She made an inquiry about the job requirements.

British English

In British English, both inquiry and enquiry are used, but with a subtle distinction. Enquiry is used for casual or informal questions, while inquiry refers to formal investigations or official matters. For instance, He made an enquiry about train schedules, but The government launched an inquiry into corruption allegations.

Formal Situations (Use “Inquiry” and “Inquire”):

The Levinson Inquiry transformed the editorial policies of British newspapers.
Police arrived in the area, making inquiries about the events from the previous night.
Contact the university to inquire about the poor exam results over the semester.
The panel inquired about my previous experience during the interview.

Less Formal Situations (Use “Enquiry” and “Enquire”):

I’d like to make an enquiry about the flight times at the airport.
May I enquire about the vegetarian options on your menu?
You can make an “enquiry” (ask) about someone’s well-being.
For general enquiries, please contact the staff at reception.

Remember, the distinction between “enquiry” and “inquiry” primarily matters in British English. In American English, “inquiry” is the preferred term for investigations in all situations, and “enquiry” isn’t really used.

So, if you’re unsure which to use, inquiry is always safe, as it is widely understood in all English variations.

Which One Should You Use?

If you’re writing for:

American readers? Use inquire and inquiry.
British readers? Use enquire and enquiry for general questions and inquire and inquiry for formal investigations.

If unsure, inquire and inquiry are always a safe choice. It’s understood worldwide.

Enquire vs Inquire: Summary

Here’s a final reminder of when you use inquire vs enquire:

Feature	Enquire	Inquire
Meaning	To ask for information	To ask for information
Usage	American English & formal British usage (general use)	American English & formal British usage
Common Contexts	Everyday questions	Investigations, official inquiries

If you follow American English rules, stick with inquire. If writing for a British audience, use enquire for casual questions and inquire for formal ones.

Both words mean the same thing, so don’t stress too much — either choice is correct.

Enquire vs Inquire: What’s the Difference?