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  • Difference between inquire and enquire

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    Evelyn Keane
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    The document discusses the difference between the words "inquire" and "enquire". While they mean the same thing, which is to seek information or conduct a formal investigation, there are some differences in usage between American and British English. "Enquire" and "enquiry" are more commonly used in British English for general questions, while "inquire" and "inquiry" are preferred for formal investigations. However, either spelling can be used. When writing for publications, it's best to check their style guidelines, but "inquire" is generally considered the standard spelling if unsure. The document recommends being consistent with whichever spelling is chosen.

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    Inquire vs Enquire

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    The document discusses the difference between the words "inquire" and "enquire". While they mean the same thing, which is to seek information or conduct a formal investigation, there are some differences in usage between American and British English. "Enquire" and "enquiry" are more commonly used in British English for general questions, while "inquire" and "inquiry" are preferred for formal investigations. However, either spelling can be used. When writing for publications, it's best to check their style guidelines, but "inquire" is generally considered the standard spelling if unsure. The document recommends being consistent with whichever spelling is chosen.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    6 views2 pages

    Difference between inquire and enquire

    Uploaded by

    Evelyn Keane
    The document discusses the difference between the words "inquire" and "enquire". While they mean the same thing, which is to seek information or conduct a formal investigation, there are some differences in usage between American and British English. "Enquire" and "enquiry" are more commonly used in British English for general questions, while "inquire" and "inquiry" are preferred for formal investigations. However, either spelling can be used. When writing for publications, it's best to check their style guidelines, but "inquire" is generally considered the standard spelling if unsure. The document recommends being consistent with whichever spelling is chosen.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 2

    2/22/13

    Inquire vs Enquire

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    Inquire vs Enquire
    by Ali Hale One of our readers, Susabelle wrote to ask: Can you take on explaining the difference between inquire and enquire? These are two spellings of the same word, which means to seek information about something or to conduct a formal investigation (usually when followed by into). The corresponding noun is enquiry or inquiry. Either spelling can be used, but many people prefer enquire and enquiry for the general sense of ask, and inquire and inquiry for a formal investigation: I enquired his name The first enquiry in my inbox today was about lost property. We are going to inquire into the incident. The lawyers asked when the inquiry will be completed. In practice, enquire and enquiry are more common in British English, and inquire and inquiry are more common in US English, for both informal questions and formal investigations. However, the Guardian (a British newspaper) tells writers to use inquiry and the Oxford English Dictionary seems to recognise inquire as the more dominant form, deeming enquiry: An alternative form of INQUIRE. The mod. Dicts. give inquire as the standard form, but enquire is still very frequently used, esp. in the sense to ask a question.
    www.dailywritingtips.com/inquire-vs-enquire/ 1/24

    2/22/13

    Inquire vs Enquire

    So, its up to you which spelling you use, though if youre writing for a particular publication, its worth asking about their house style. Sticking with inquire is probably best if youre at all unsure, and whichever you pick, be consistent!

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    81 Responses to Inquire vs Enquire


    1. Sally on September 7, 2008 4:36 am Im wondering when to use cumulate and accumulate. Thank you. 2. shahla on September 28, 2008 9:30 am Hi! could you tell me whats different between the words of attempt,try, endeavour,effort? Thanks SHahla 3. Sandy on January 19, 2009 12:32 pm whats the difference between the prefix in & un For example in the words indistinguishable & undistinguishable 4. Rajbir D on February 5, 2009 9:24 pm
    www.dailywritingtips.com/inquire-vs-enquire/ 2/24

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