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What is the Difference Between Inquiry and Enquiry? Inquiry and enquiry are both nouns that can mean “a question, an investigation, or a close examination of a matter.” Both words are derived from the verbs “to inquire” and “to enquire,” respectively.
The difference between inquiry and enquiry is minor and deals with a nuance in meaning: inquiry is preferred for formal requests and official investigations. enquiry is much broader, referring to any requests, formal or informal.
Inquiry and enquiry are interchangeable in the US, but inquiry dominates to the extent that most Americans consider enquiry a spelling mistake. In the UK, inquiry and enquiry are interchangeable, but inquiry is usually used for a formal investigation.
Summary. In US English, you should always use inquiry and inquire, regardless of the formality of the investigation. In British English, inquiry and inquire are used to describe formal/official investigations and lines of questioning, whereas enquire and enquiry are used in less formal investigations.
While inquire means “to seek information in a formal way,” enquire means “to ask in a general way.”. They can be used interchangeably. Inquire and enquire both originate from the same Latin word, meaning to seek. Both words mean to request information or examine facts.
Navigating the distinctions between "enquiry" and "inquiry" involves recognizing spelling variations and regional preferences. Whether asking questions informally or conducting a formal investigation, using the appropriate term enhances clarity and aligns with the expected style of communication.
The words ‘enquiry’ and ‘inquiry’ often confuse many. Though similar, they have different uses. ‘Enquiry’ refers to asking for information. For example, when you ask about a train schedule, that’s an enquiry. On the other hand, ‘inquiry’ is more formal. It usually means a detailed investigation.
In this article, we’ll look at the meanings of enquiry and inquiry, and how they’re used in American English vs British English. Contents: Enquire vs Inquire Meaning. The Difference Between Inquiry vs Enquiry. Examples of Inquiry vs Enquiry in Sentences. Tips for Remembering the Difference Between Inquiry vs Enquiry.
Inquire and enquire come from the same Latin word, quaere, which means “to ask or seek.” But even though they have similar pronunciations, meanings, and origins, inquire and enquire aren’t always interchangeable. It all depends on where you live — and what information you’re looking for.
"Inquiry" and "enquiry" are both correct spellings of the same noun, referring to the same thing. All you have to remember is that they are spelled differently according to the English vocabulary you are using: "inquiry" is preferred in US English, whereas "enquiry" is the British version.