Enquiry vs. Inquiry: The Great Word Detective Showdown!

Difference Between Enquiry and Inquiry

Enquiry and inquiry are two words that sound alike and can sometimes mean the same thing. But, they are often used in different places. Let’s look at how they are used and how you can tell them apart.

Word History

Both words come from the same root word in Latin, which is “quaerere.” Over time, people in different places began to use these words in slightly different ways.

How to Use Them

In general, “enquiry” is more common in British English, while “inquiry” is more common in American English. Here is how you might use each word:

Enquiry

“Enquiry” is used when you ask a general question or seek information.

• I sent an enquiry to the library about the opening hours.
• She made an enquiry about the price of the new book.
• Our teacher answered all the students’ enquiries about the homework.
• He filled out an enquiry form to get more details about the course.
• The customer service team handled many enquiries each day.

Inquiry

“Inquiry” is used when you are doing a formal investigation or a detailed search for information.

• The police started an inquiry into the missing item.
• The school held an inquiry to understand what happened.
• The committee conducted an inquiry about the new rules.
• The journalist wrote an article based on her inquiries.
• The lawyer made several inquiries about the case.

Trick to Remember the Difference

A simple way to remember is: “Enquiry” is often used for informal questions. “Inquiry” is often used for formal investigations.

Summary

In short, while both “enquiry” and “inquiry” are about asking questions, “enquiry” is usually for everyday information-seeking in British English. “Inquiry” is often for formal investigations and is more common in American English. Knowing where you are and what kind of question you are asking can help you choose the right word!