Is It Inquiry or Enquiry? Which One Should You Use?

The English language comes with a wide variety of words, even for the same meaning. In turn, this tends to bring some confusion about when to use a particular word. This is the case with the words “inquiry” and “enquiry.” So, is it “inquiry” or “enquiry?” Which one should you use?

“Inquiry” conveys both a formal investigation and a normal questioning. You should use it to convey the first meaning when you are writing in British English and the second meaning when writing in American English. “Enquiry” also conveys both meanings, although it’s more popular in British English. 

Still, there is more when it comes to the usage of both words. In this article, we will dive into the details regarding the use of both words. This way, you can enjoy the use of both words.

When to and How to Use the Word “Inquiry”

The word “inquiry” is quite popular in recent usage. As such, it is only natural to wonder about the correct usage of the word. This is more so the likely confusion with the word “enquiry.” However, to understand its usage, one thing is vital.

Precisely, you need to understand the meaning and nature of the word. So, what does the word “inquiry” mean?

First, you need to understand that the word “inquiry” is a noun. As such, it functions as a naming word in a sentence. Still, what meaning does the word “inquiry” convey?

When you use the word, it means to ask about something. It can also be used to convey an investigation. For instance, when you state that you approached a man to inquire about an event, this is what you mean. It means that you approached the man to ask about the upcoming event.

However, there is one thing that you must keep in mind when it comes to the use of the word. The use of the word will depend on the variant of the English language that you choose. Precisely, whether you are using American or British English will determine the meaning you use the word to convey. Now, here is what you need to know.

When you are writing in American English, the word is primarily used to convey asking about something or investigating something. Precisely, it involves the typical request to know more about something.

Here are some examples that depict the correct usage of the word “inquiry” in a sentence when writing in American English.

1. The focus of our visit to our mom last year was an inquiry about our late father, who we hardly knew anything about, although it turned out to be less productive
2. I am desperately in need of a job that I have gone to at least fifty offices in the last month making ridiculous inquiries about a job opening
3. The use of the tag inquiry does not perfectly fit into what Mary claims to have done; she hardly asked any question and just made unbelievable assumptions
4. I look forward to my inquiry into the unfolding that happened at the party last night; I definitely do not want to miss out on any of the gist

However, it is not only restricted to this. In American English, the word can also convey the occurrence of a formal investigation into something. This is similar to its primary usage in British English. You can see our examples of the other usage of “inquiry” in the English language.

On the other hand, when it comes to British English, the word “inquiry” is mostly used to convey just any form of request. Instead, you should only use it when you talk of a formal investigation into an occurrence—for instance, an official police investigation into criminal activity or an official organizational inquiry into a complaint.

So, when you use the word “inquiry” when writing in British English, what you are to convey is a formal investigation and not just any type of request to know more about something. Now, here are some examples that should help you put things in a better light when it comes to using the word.

1. There was a request from the House today requesting that an inquiry into the construction of the new building as possibilities of irregularities have become more apparent
2. It is high time we receive the report of the inquiry conducted by Lord Tyler concerning the purchase of the new equipment; after all, it has been three months since he started
3. The inquiry will go on for at least a month; our preliminary investigation shows that it will take at least that long to get all the facts straight
4. We are all concerned about the results of the inquiry, more so its impact on our existing dorm system

However, keep in mind that while the usage of the word in British English denotes a formal investigation, it is not limited to this. It can also convey the general investigation into something associated with the word’s usage in American English.

When to and How to Use the Word “Enquiry”

Next up is understanding the use of the word “enquiry” in a sentence. Like you can see, both “inquiry” and “enquiry” are similar to the exclusion of their first letter. So, there are bound to be questions about the correct usage of the word “enquiry.”

As always, the foundation for understanding this is to understand the meaning of the word “enquiry” itself. Like you can guess, it has a similar meaning to the word “inquiry.” Generally, the significant difference is in the choice of the English language that you pick.

Still, here is what you need to know.

When it comes to British English, the word “enquiry” means to ask or investigate something. You will recall that when it was about the word “inquiry,” its usage in British English meant a formal investigation. Well, the word used to convey the ordinary investigation or request to know more about something in British English is “enquiry.”

No doubt, as we stated above, “inquiry” can also convey the ordinary meaning when used in British English. However, the more suited option for such a role is this word “enquiry.” So, if you want to convey the simple investigation, then you should use the word “enquiry” if British English is your choice of English language.

Now, here are some examples of the usage of the word “enquiry.” As long as you pay attention, they will help you appreciate how best to use the word “enquiry” in a sentence.

1. My best option is to approach my boss directly and make an enquiry about the possibilities of getting a raise rather than dwell on rumors

2.An enquiry about his dietary practices is not out of place at the moment if I want to achieve my goal and become even more fit

3. While I was still contemplating about the suitability of an enquiry, the affected parties had left the country such that it had become impossible
4. I plan to make an enquiry at the pharmacy tomorrow; at least, they should have had enough time to stock up on their inventory

Also, keep in mind that it is hardly used to convey a formal investigation as long as you are writing in British English when it comes to this word. It is always limited to conveying an ordinary investigation or questioning to know more about something.

On the other hand, when it comes to using the word “enquiry” in American English, it is less popular. “Inquiry” is the more popular choice. In fact, most individuals will consider “enquiry” to be an error when it comes to American English.

Understanding the Difference Between “Inquiry” and “Enquiry”

Now that we have discussed when and how to use both words, one question still lingers. Precisely, this is the difference between both words. So, what are these differences? Remember that this is also important as it will go a long way in determining how best to use both words.

Generally, the word “inquiry” is more popular in American English. In turn, it can be used to convey both meanings. It can convey that something is both a formal investigation and a simple investigation or questioning. However, the more dominant meaning is that of a normal questioning.

Beyond this, you can also use it in British English to convey a formal investigation and a simple questioning. Only that this time, the more prominent meaning is that of a formal investigation.

On the other hand, when it comes to “enquiry,” it is more popular in British English. It popularly conveys a simple investigation. Although, it can sometimes mean a formal investigation into something.

Final Thoughts

The distinction between “inquiry” and “enquiry” when it comes to its usage requires considerable attention. This is because this distinction cut across two variants of the English language, British and American. Regardless, understanding it has never been easier than this.

In this article, we have broken down the details of its usage for easy understanding. So, be sure to dive in and have fun learning.