Inquiry vs. Inquire — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 17, 2024
Inquiry refers to the act of asking for information, while inquire means to ask or seek information about something.
Difference Between Inquiry and Inquire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Inquiry is a noun that denotes the act of seeking information through questioning or investigation. It can refer to formal investigations or casual questions. Inquire, on the other hand, is a verb that means to ask for information. It involves the act of questioning or seeking information about something or someone.
The distinction between the two is clear: inquiry is the process or act itself, while inquire is the action taken by someone engaged in that process. Understanding the difference is crucial for proper usage in both spoken and written English.
Inquiry often implies a deeper or more formal process of investigation, especially in contexts such as legal inquiries, scientific research, or academic studies. In contrast, inquire can be used in both formal and informal contexts but always denotes the action of asking.
Both terms are fundamental in fields that value information gathering and knowledge, such as journalism, research, and customer service. They reflect the curiosity and quest for understanding that drive human interaction and learning.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
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Meaning
The act of asking for information
To ask for information
Context
Can be formal or informal, often refers to a process
Typically refers to the action of asking, can be formal or informal
Examples
Conducting an inquiry into a historical event
To inquire about someone's health
Usage
The police launched an inquiry into the case.
I will inquire about the schedule.
Compare with Definitions
Inquiry
A request for information.
He made an inquiry about the next train departure.
Inquire
To ask for information.
She will inquire about the meeting details.
Inquiry
A formal investigation.
The government initiated an inquiry into the incident.
Inquire
To question formally or systematically.
The researcher inquired into the causes of the phenomenon.
Inquiry
The act of questioning.
Her inquiry into the origins of the policy revealed surprising facts.
Inquire
To investigate or look into something.
He decided to inquire further into the matter.
Inquiry
A search for knowledge.
His inquiry into ancient texts uncovered new insights.
Inquire
To make a formal request.
They will inquire about funding opportunities.
Inquiry
Examination or investigation.
The scientific inquiry focused on environmental changes.
Inquire
To express a desire to know something.
Visitors often inquire about the museum's hours.
Inquiry
An inquiry (also spelled as enquiry in British English) is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim.
Inquire
Another term for enquire
Inquiry
The act of inquiring
Engaged in scientific inquiry.
Inquire
To seek information by asking a question
Inquired about prices.
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
Inquire
To make an inquiry or investigation
Inquire into the extent of the corruption.
Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
Inquire
To ask, especially politely or formally
The host inquired why we were leaving so soon.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
Inquire
To ask questions about (something); investigate or analyze
Economists inquiring whether markets behave differently during a recession.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
Inquire
To ask (about something).
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
He could no path nor track of foot descry,Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.
The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
Inquire
(intransitive) To make an inquiry or an investigation.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.
All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.
Inquire
To call; to name.
Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Inquire
To ask a question; to seek for truth or information by putting queries.
We will call the damsel, and inquire.
Then David inquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him.
Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Inquire
To seek to learn anything by recourse to the proper means of knowledge; to make examination.
And inquireGladly into the ways of God with man.
Inquiry
A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
Inquire
To ask about; to seek to know by asking; to make examination or inquiry respecting.
Having thus at length inquired the truth concerning law and dispense.
And all obey and few inquire his will.
Inquire
To call or name.
Inquire
Inquire about;
I asked about their special today
He had to ask directions several times
Inquire
Have a wish or desire to know something;
He wondered who had built this beautiful church
Inquire
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
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between inquiry and inquire?
Inquiry is a noun referring to the act of asking for information, while inquire is a verb meaning to ask for information.
What does it mean to make an inquiry?
Making an inquiry means asking for information or conducting an investigation.
Can inquiry and inquire be used interchangeably?
No, because they represent different parts of speech: one is a noun and the other a verb.
How do you use inquire in a sentence?
"I will inquire about the conference schedule."
Can inquire imply a deep investigation?
While it means to ask for information, in some contexts, it can imply a deeper search or investigation.
Can inquire be used in an informal context?
Yes, inquire can be used informally to mean asking for information.
Is inquiry used in specific fields?
Yes, especially in fields like journalism, academia, and law where investigation and information gathering are key.
Is an inquiry always formal?
Not necessarily. It can refer to both formal investigations and casual questions.
Do inquiry and inquire have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include question, investigate, ask, probe, and research, depending on the context.
How does the context affect the use of inquiry and inquire?
The context determines whether a process of questioning (inquiry) or the act of asking (inquire) is being referred to.
How can inquiry be used in education?
In education, inquiry refers to methods focused on questioning, exploring, and investigating to learn.
Which term is more common in everyday language?
Inquire is more commonly used in everyday language, as it involves the action of asking questions.
Is it correct to say "inquire to someone"?
Typically, one would say "inquire of someone" or "inquire about something."
What is a formal inquiry?
A formal inquiry is an official investigation or detailed questioning into a particular matter.
Can both terms be used in a business setting?
Yes, both are used in business for information gathering, customer service, and research.
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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.
