English is a language rich in nuances, and even the most seemingly simple words can have subtle differences in meaning and usage. One such pair of commonly confused words is inquire vs. enquire.” Although they are often used interchangeably, there are some distinctions between the two, particularly when it comes to British and American English. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between “inquire” and “enquire,” helping you choose the right word in your writing.
What Is the Difference Between “Inquire” and “Enquire”?
At first glance, “inquire” and “enquire” seem very similar, but there’s a slight difference in their traditional usage. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, the distinction mainly depends on whether you’re using American or British English.
Inquiry vs. Enquiry: What’s the Difference?
The distinction between “inquiry” and “enquiry” is minor but significant:
- Inquiry is generally preferred for formal requests and official investigations.
- Enquiry is broader and can refer to any type of request, whether formal or informal.
Although the two terms are sometimes interchangeable, they are used differently in American and British English.
When to Use “Inquire”
In American English:
- “Inquire” is the preferred spelling in the United States for all uses. It means “to ask” or “to investigate.”
For example: - “We went to the mall to inquire about a job.”
In British English:
- While “enquire” is more common in British English for informal queries, “inquire” is traditionally used for formal investigations or official inquiries.
For example: - “We asked Lord Roundbottom to inquire into the matter of the new football stadium.”
In modern British English, however, “inquire” is also used more generally, much like it is in American English, to mean “ask” or “investigate.”
When to Use “Enquire”
In British English:
- “Enquire” is most commonly used in British English when referring to informal or general requests or questions. It means “to ask” or “to investigate” in a casual sense.
For example: - “I’ll go to Phil and enquire about the chances of getting a raise.”
While “inquire” is used for official or formal contexts, “enquire” remains the more widely used term in British English for everyday situations.
Enquire in Official Contexts:
- Although “inquire” is typically reserved for formal investigations, “enquire” is rarely used in this context. British English tends to reserve “inquire” for official matters such as investigations, inquiries, or formal queries.
Examples of “Inquire” and “Enquire” in Sentences
Here are some real-world examples to clarify the use of these words:
- “The Nationals have inquired with the Blue Jays about outfielder Jose Bautista’s availability, according to The Post’s Barry Svrluga.” – This example shows how “inquire” is used for formal investigations or business-related queries.
- “Go and check it out before you book – talk to management and staff, look at the dogs’ quarters, enquire about feeding and exercise routines and see how the people there interact with your dog.” – This example uses “enquire” in a more casual sense, where the speaker is simply asking for general information.
- “However, he defended the regulator’s right to inquire whenever it felt that circumstances required it and suggested more use might be made of the BHA’s review function.” – Here, “inquire” is used in a formal, official context regarding an investigation.
How to Decide Which Word to Use
The choice between “inquire” and “enquire” largely depends on the version of English you are using (American vs. British) and the formality of the situation:
- Use “inquire” in formal contexts, especially when referring to investigations or official inquiries, regardless of whether you’re using American or British English.
- Use “enquire” in British English for informal requests or questions. It’s less commonly used for official matters.
If you’re still unsure about the appropriate usage, it’s always a good idea to refer to a trusted language resource or proofreading tool to ensure your writing is accurate. For instance, using a tool like Grammarly can help you identify when to use “inquire” or “enquire” correctly, as well as offer suggestions for improving your writing.
Conclusion
The difference between “inquire” and “enquire” may seem subtle, but it’s important to use the right word based on your audience and the formality of the situation. In American English, “inquire” is the go-to term for both formal and informal queries. In British English, “enquire” is preferred for casual inquiries, while “inquire” is used for more formal investigations.
Whether you’re looking to perfect your writing or simply improve your understanding of English, using the right terms and phrases can make a significant difference. If you want to take your English proficiency to the next level, consider taking the English Level Test to assess and enhance your language skills.
Keywords: inquire vs enquire, difference between inquire and enquire, inquire vs enquire British English, American English inquire, British English enquire, English writing tips, grammar and punctuation.
