Ask vs. Enquire — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 30, 2024
"Ask" is a general term for posing a question or making a request, widely used in all contexts. "Enquire" (or "inquire") focuses on seeking information or investigating, often used in formal or British English.
Difference Between Ask and Enquire
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Key Differences
"Ask" is a versatile verb used in everyday language to request information, clarification, help, or to pose a question. Its usage spans from casual conversations to formal requests, making it universally applicable for any situation where someone wants to know something or needs assistance. Conversely, "enquire" is more commonly used in British English and carries a slightly more formal tone, typically associated with seeking specific information or conducting a formal investigation. While "ask" can be used for any query, "enquire" suggests a deeper level of investigation or a polite request for information.
In terms of application, "ask" is straightforward and direct, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. It is the go-to word for questions in daily conversations, professional communications, and academic inquiries. On the other hand, "enquire" is often preferred in contexts where the information sought is more detailed or when the act of asking is part of a formal process, such as in customer service interactions, official investigations, or research inquiries.
The choice between "ask" and "enquire" can also reflect the speaker's intention or the nature of the information being sought. "Ask" is used when the question is direct and to the point, whereas "enquire" may imply a more thoughtful or systematic approach to obtaining information. Furthermore, "enquire" is sometimes chosen for stylistic reasons, particularly in written English, where it can lend a text a more formal or polished tone.
"Ask" is universally understood and used across English-speaking regions, making it a fundamental part of the English lexicon. "Enquire," however, is more prevalent in British English, reflecting the nuances of regional language use. In American English, "inquire" is the variant more commonly used, especially in formal writing, although it shares the same meanings and connotations as "enquire."
The use of "ask" and "enquire" also differs in specific phrases or idiomatic expressions. For example, "to ask a question" is a common phrase that applies universally, whereas "to make an enquiry" is a fixed expression that tends to appear in more formal or business-oriented contexts. This distinction highlights how each verb fits into different linguistic and situational contexts based on convention, tone, and specificity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To request information or clarification.
To seek information, often in a detailed way.
Common Usage
Universal in both informal and formal contexts.
More formal, often used in British English.
Connotation
Direct and straightforward.
Implies a deeper investigation or politeness.
Application
Everyday conversations, professional communications.
Formal investigations, detailed inquiries.
Cultural Prevalence
Used across all English-speaking regions.
More common in British English.
Compare with Definitions
Ask
To require or expect something.
The job asks for a high level of attention to detail.
Enquire
Used in polite requests or formal contexts.
May I enquire about the availability of the conference room?
Ask
To request information or clarification.
Can I ask you a question about the project?
Enquire
To ask for information from someone.
I'll enquire about the train schedules at the station.
Ask
To pose a question.
She asked why the meeting was postponed.
Enquire
To express a desire to know something.
He enquired about her health during her absence.
Ask
To make a request for assistance or support.
I'll ask him for help with the report.
Enquire
To conduct a formal investigation or seek detailed information.
The committee will enquire into the matter thoroughly.
Ask
To invite or summon someone.
They asked me to join their team for the competition.
Enquire
To explore or investigate a subject or area of interest.
She plans to enquire into the historical significance of the site.
Ask
To put a question to
When we realized that we didn't know the answer, we asked the teacher.
Enquire
Ask for information from someone
I enquired where he lived
‘How well do you know Berlin?’ he enquired of Hencke
He enquired about cottages for sale
Ask
To seek an answer to
Ask a question.
Enquire
Investigate; look into
The task of political sociology is to enquire into the causes of political events
Ask
To seek information about
Asked directions.
Enquire
Variant of inquire.
Ask
To make a request of
Asked me for a loan.
Enquire
(intransitive) To make an enquiry.
He enquired about the availability of rental bicycles in the town.
Ask
To make a request for. Often used with an infinitive or clause
Ask a favor of a friend.
Asked to go along on the trip.
Asked that he be allowed to stay out late.
Enquire
To ask about (something).
Ask
To require or call for as a price or condition
Asked ten dollars for the book.
Enquire
See Inquire.
Ask
To expect or demand
Ask too much of a child.
Enquire
Inquire about;
I asked about their special today
He had to ask directions several times
Ask
To invite
Asked them to dinner.
Enquire
Conduct an inquiry or investigation of;
The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities
Inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady
Ask
(Archaic)To publish, as marriage banns.
Enquire
Have a wish or desire to know something;
He wondered who had built this beautiful church
Ask
To make inquiry; seek information.
Ask
To make a request
Asked for help.
Ask
The act of making a request
“He was contacted by the mayor's fund-raiser ... a day after the mayor made the ask” (Jennifer Fermino).
Ask
Something that is requested
“Being funny on demand is a big ask” (Anne Curzan).
Ask
To request (information, or an answer to a question).
I asked her age.
I asked her (for) her age.
Ask
To put forward (a question) to be answered.
To ask a question
Ask
To interrogate or enquire of (a person).
I'm going to ask this lady for directions.
Ask
To request or petition; usually with for.
To ask for a second helping at dinner
To ask for help with homework
Emma asked Jim to close his eyes.
Ask
To request permission to do something.
She asked to see the doctor.
Did you ask to use the car?
Ask
To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity.
What price are you asking for the house?
Ask
To invite.
Don't ask them to the wedding.
Ask
To publish in church for marriage; said of both the banns and the persons.
Ask
(figuratively) To take (a person's situation) as an example.
Ask
An act or instance of asking.
Ask
Something asked or asked for.
I know this is a big ask, but …
Ask
An asking price.
Ask
(Internet) A message sent to a blog on social networking platform Tumblr, which can be publicly posted and replied to by the recipient.
Ask
An eft; newt.
Ask
A lizard.
Ask
To request; to seek to obtain by words; to petition; to solicit; - often with of, in the sense of from, before the person addressed.
Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Ask
To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity; as, what price do you ask?
Ask me never so much dowry.
To whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
An exigence of state asks a much longer time to conduct a design to maturity.
Ask
To interrogate or inquire of or concerning; to put a question to or about; to question.
He is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
He asked the way to Chester.
Ask
To invite; as, to ask one to an entertainment.
Ask
To publish in church for marriage; - said of both the banns and the persons.
Ask
To request or petition; - usually followed by for; as, to ask for bread.
Ask, and it shall be given you.
Ask
To make inquiry, or seek by request; - sometimes followed by after.
Wherefore . . . dost ask after my name?
Ask
A water newt.
Ask
Inquire about;
I asked about their special today
He had to ask directions several times
Ask
Make a request or demand for something to somebody;
She asked him for a loan
Ask
Direct or put; seek an answer to;
Ask a question
Ask
Consider obligatory; request and expect;
We require our secretary to be on time
Aren't we asking too much of these children?
I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons
Ask
Require or ask for as a price or condition;
He is asking $200 for the table
The kidnapers are asking a million dollars in return for the release of their hostage
Ask
Address a question to and expect an answer from;
Ask your teacher about trigonometry
The children asked me about their dead grandmother
Ask
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Common Curiosities
Is "enquire" the same as "inquire"?
Yes, "enquire" and "inquire" are often used interchangeably, though "enquire" is more common in British English, and "inquire" in American English.
Is it appropriate to use "ask" in professional emails?
Yes, "ask" is appropriate for professional contexts, but the choice between "ask" and "enquire" might depend on the formality of the communication.
How do I know when to use "ask" or "enquire"?
Use "ask" for general questions or requests, and "enquire" for more formal or detailed information seeking, especially if writing in British English.
Why might someone choose "enquire" over "ask" in a business setting?
"Enquire" may be chosen for its formal tone or to imply a thorough investigation in business or customer service interactions.
How does context affect the use of "ask" vs. "enquire"?
The formality of the situation and the depth of information sought can determine the more appropriate term.
Can "ask" and "enquire" be used interchangeably?
While they can be in some contexts, "enquire" often implies a more formal or detailed investigation than "ask."
Which is more formal, "ask" or "enquire"?
"Enquire" is considered more formal, especially in British English.
Is "asking a question" different from "making an enquiry"?
"Asking a question" is a broader term, while "making an enquiry" suggests seeking specific or detailed information, often in a formal context.
Does the preference for "ask" or "enquire" vary by region?
Yes, "enquire" is more commonly used in British English, while "ask" is universally used across English-speaking regions.
Are there situations where "ask" is not suitable but "enquire" is?
In very formal inquiries or when the question involves detailed research, "enquire" might be more suitable due to its formal connotation.
Can "ask" imply the same depth of investigation as "enquire"?
"Ask" can be used in contexts requiring detailed investigation, but "enquire" specifically denotes seeking in-depth information.
Is it common to use "enquire" in casual conversations?
Less so, especially in American English; "ask" is more common in casual contexts.
How should one decide which word to use in writing?
Consider the audience, the formality of the document, and regional language preferences when deciding between "ask" and "enquire."
Can the use of "enquire" affect the perception of a request?
Yes, using "enquire" can make a request seem more polite or formal, potentially influencing how it's received.
What role does tone play in choosing between "ask" and "enquire"?
Tone can influence the choice; "ask" is more direct, while "enquire" can convey politeness or a formal tone.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
