Words / B2

in-KWEYE-uh/ɪnˈkwaɪə/

To enquire (UK) is to ask for information: enquire about; enquire whether. US spelling is inquire. Enquiry is the noun (already in the dictionary); a public inquiry is a formal investigation (often inquiry even in UK). Enquire at the exams office. Do not mix with acquire (get).

Meaning

To ask for information (UK spelling).

Examples

• “Enquire at the exams office, not the head’s PA, about clash tickets.”
• “US forms use inquire; UK customer service still prefers enquire, which is a spelling point.”

Good to know

enquire about / whether. US: inquire. Noun: enquiry (question) vs inquiry (investigation, often). Everyday: ask. Offices and helplines. Trap: acquire.

Near in meaning

ask

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