Words / B2

KWEERR-ee/ˈkwɪəri/

A query is a question asking for information or raising a doubt: a query about the bill, raise a query, any queries. Question is everyday; enquiry is a close UK twin for asking; objection is stronger disagreement. Query is also a verb (they queried the figures) and an IT term (a database query). In speech, a question is enough. Do not use query for a long essay question (that is a question), and in customer service queries is a stock plural.

Meaning

A question, especially one that asks for information or raises a doubt.

Examples

• “Send any queries about the timetable to the exams office.”
• “Send queries about special arrangements to the exams office, not to your tutor’s personal mail.”
• “The auditor queried three invoices, which is the verb: she doubted them.”

Good to know

a query about; raise a query. Everyday: question. UK cousin: enquiry. Verb: query the figures. IT: a database query. Plural in service English: queries.

Near in meaning

question

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