Inquiry vs enquiry: Enquire vs Inquire | Difference

Enquire vs Inquire | Difference, Definitions & Examples Published on May 5, 2024 by Gina Rancaño, BA Revised on August 20, 2025 Enquire and inquire are verbs that mean “ask for information,” but “ inquire ” is generally considered more formal and is often used in the context of official investigations. “ Enquire ” is more common in general usage and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Enquiry vs Inquiry | Definition, Difference & Examples Published on May 10, 2024 by Gina Rancaño, BA Revised on November 5, 2025 Enquiry and inquiry both refer to the request for information about something. “ Inquiry ” is the preferred spelling in American English, while both spelling variants are used in British English, with “ inquiry ” being more common, especially in formal contexts. Learn the difference between " enquiry " and " inquiry " in British and American English. Find out when to use " inquiry " for a formal investigation and " enquiry " for a standard question.