Are you ever unsure when to use inquire vs enquire? It can be a confusing distinction, and even experienced professionals or writers may struggle to determine the correct usage of these words. Whether you are writing for work or pleasure, it is important to understand the nuances between them to accurately convey your intended meaning.
In this blog post, we’ll examine both sides of the inquiry divide so that you can learn more about which choice is best suited for your needs.
Inquire vs Enquire: Origins of the Words
Have you ever wondered why inquire and enquire are so often used interchangeably? When you inquire after someone, or when you inquire about the reason, what is the difference between inquire and enquire? The answer lies in their origins. Both inquire and enquire come from Latin roots – inquire coming from “inquirō,” meaning “I seek,” and enquire coming from “inquirere,” which means “to ask.”
While inquire has been around since before the 13th century (it first appeared in Middle English texts), enquire is relatively newer, having only been recorded mid-way through the 15th century as “enqueren. From a historical perspective then, they have both always meant more or less the same thing.
Today, inquire is usually more formal, while enquire tends to be used informally though exceptions exist to this general rule. The takeaway here then is that using inquire vs enquire depends on preference — so it’s really up to the individual speaker.
Inquire vs Enquire: Etymology and Usage History
Have you ever asked yourself why inquire and enquire have similar meaning, but are distinct in their usage? The two words have a shared etymology; inquire is derived from Latin inquirere where inquire means “to search diligently”, while enquire is the direct descendant of Middle English enqueiren, which adopted its French ancestor’s inquirere back in the 15th century.
Both possess the same connotation of asking a question for information-gathering. However, inquire, being more generally accepted due to its origin in Latin, tends to be used more broadly today, as only enquire is widely seen as dated when referring to polite requests or formal investigations.
Inquire vs Enquire: Difference in Spelling & Meaning
Inquire and enquire are two verbs that often confuse, as there is only one letter’s difference in the spelling of both words. However, there is a distinct difference in meaning between inquire and enquire. Generally speaking, inquire can refer to a formal request for information or knowledge, but it also has another definition that refers to making investigations or searching for facts.
Enquire usually refers specifically to seeking information through questioning or inquiry. Knowing when to use inquire versus enquire therefore comes down to understanding their differences in terms of meaning and formality; inquire has a more formal connotation than enquire.
Grammatical Differences between Inquire and Enquire
The words inquire and enquire are often mistakenly used interchangeably by native English speakers in conversation. But while inquire and enquire may appear to have similar meanings, they do have subtle grammatical differences.
Enquire is the preferred choice when talking about seeking information or making an inquiry, for a formal or serious context. Meanwhile inquire has a more casual air to it, suitable for everyday conversations that are not too serious in nature. So next time you’re scratching your head wondering which to use, just remember: enquire for a formal context; inquire for a casual one.
When to Use ‘Inquire’
Knowing when to use inquire versus enquire can be tricky! ‘Inquire’ is used as a verb for asking for information, or seeking knowledge about something.
- For example, you may inquire of someone what time the store closes. ‘Enquire’, on the other hand, implies more formal questioning with more weight, such as an investigation of some kind; you might enquire into the cause of a car accident.
To summarize, inquire is typically used in informal settings while enquire tends to be more formal and applies to specific scenarios, like those mentioned above.
Examples of Using ‘Inquire’ in Sentences
When it comes to inquire and enquire, a lot of people use the words interchangeably. The main difference between inquire and enquire is that inquire is used more often in American English, while enquire is used more often in other varieties of English.
- For example, inquire would be used to say “He inquired about the price” while enquire would be used to say “She enquired whether they still had any left.”
Bear in mind that inquire can also be used outside of American English depending on the context, so you should always rely on how your audience understands the word rather than worrying too much about exactly where it came from.
When to Use ‘Enquire’
Got a burning question that needs answering? Knowing when to inquire or enquire can be a tough call! Often, inquire is used as the commonplace form of this word, whereas enquire is used in more formal situations. Enquire can be likened to ask, meaning that its purpose typically extends beyond just wanting to know something.
- For example, if you’re inquiring about an issue with a service provider, you would likely use inquire.
If you were gathering data for research purposes, you might consider using “enquire,” since your goal may be to gain insights or opinions rather than merely knowing appertaining facts. Basically – inquire for conversational situations and enquire for more formal ones!
Examples of Using ‘Enquire’ in Sentences
Using “enquire” in a sentence differs from using “inquire”. While inquire is typically used to ask a question, enquire can be used to refer to the process of gathering information formally or informally, or even mean inquire.
To add interest and accuracy, using “enquire” instead of “inquire” is always recommended by experts. As an example, you could say: “I decided to enquire about the availability of tickets for the show” as opposed to merely saying, “I inquired about ticket availability.”
Common Mistakes when using Inquire vs Enquire
Knowing the difference between inquire and enquire can be tricky, but it’s important to get it right. Although inquire and enquire both mean the same thing – to ask for information – inquire is much more widely used, particularly in American English. Enquire is mostly limited to British English usage.
As such, when in doubt, it’s best practice to always use inquire when addressing a person or audience with a North American background. No matter which word you choose, don’t forget that inquire and enquire are always spelled with an R at the end!
Tips for Avoiding Confusion with Inquiry vs Enquiry
Discerning the difference between inquire and enquire can be a tricky task. The two terms have nearly identical definitions, meaning to ask for information. To avoid confusion, it helps to know that inquire is used more in American English, while enquire is much more common in British English.
Additionally, enquire is almost always followed by “about” or “into.” For example, you would inquire after someone’s wellbeing, but enquire into the circumstances surrounding a mysterious event. With just a few key points to remember, any writer can quickly learn to tell inquire and enquiry apart with ease!
How Technology is Changing the Way We Talk about Inquiry/Enquiry
With the evolution of technology, inquiry and enquiry are two terms often heard in conversations. Although inquire and enquire have been around for centuries, the context in which they’re used has shifted with digital advancement. When the internet first became available to homes and businesses, inquire was more commonplace; however, as the web continues to explode with content and answers become more easily accessible than ever before, we’re seeing an upswing in usage of “enquire” as a preferred term.
Because inquire has traditionally been used interchangeably with ‘questioning’ it may carry a connotation that is too colloquial while enquire allows us to subtly distance ourselves from the possibly overly inquisitive nature of inquire when discussing big ideas or formal research. Technology is therefore transforming the way we talk about inquiry/enquiry by shifting our preference from inquire to enquire.
The Impact on Language Learning
With the evolution of technology, inquiry and enquiry are two terms often heard in conversations. Although inquire and enquire have been around for centuries, the context in which they’re used has shifted with digital advancement. When the internet first became available to homes and businesses, inquire was more commonplace; however, as the web continues to explode with content and answers become more easily accessible than ever before, we’re seeing an upswing in usage of “enquire” as a preferred term.
Because inquire has traditionally been used interchangeably with ‘questioning’ it may carry a connotation that is too colloquial while enquire allows us to subtly distance ourselves from the possibly overly inquisitive nature of inquire when discussing big ideas or formal research. Technology is therefore transforming the way we talk about inquiry/enquiry by shifting our preference from inquire to enquire.
Conclusion
The differences between inquire and enquire are subtle but important. While they mean similar things in modern English usage, their origins differ and their spellings vary depending on context. Additionally, technology has changed how we talk about inquiry/enquiry and its impact on language learning is still being studied.
To avoid confusion with inquiry vs enquiry it’s best to know when each word should be used appropriately based on spelling, meaning and grammar rules. By understanding these nuances you can accurately use inquire or enquire for whatever question you have in mind!
FAQs
What is the difference between inquire and enquire?
The main difference between the terms inquire and enquire is in their spelling. Inquire is spelled with an “I” while enquire is spelled with an “E”. The two words have identical meanings, so it can be confusing when to use which one – both are verbs meaning to ask or investigate something. However, depending on where you are located in the world – for example, in North America inquire is more commonly used.
What is the etymology of inquire vs enquire?
Both words come from the Latin word quaerere, which means ‘to seek’ or ‘to ask’. Enquire comes from Middle English enqueren and first appeared around the year 1400, while inquire entered English in the late 15th century.
Are there any grammatical differences between inquire and enquire?
No; both words are used as verbs, with an identical meaning and no changes in grammar, syntax or usage. Both can be used in a variety of tenses, including the present, past and future simple and continuous forms.
What contexts should I use inquire vs enquire?
In North America, it is more common to use the spelling ‘inquire’ than ‘enquire’ – but in other regions such as Australia and Britain, ‘enquire’ is preferred. Therefore when writing for a global audience you should consider using both spellings, or choose one to maintain consistency.
Are there any common mistakes when using inquire vs enquire?
Sometimes people confuse the two words with their related noun forms ‘inquiry’ and ‘enquiry’ – but these are different parts of speech, so they should not be used interchangeably. Additionally, some people mistakenly use a spelling with an “I” prefix even in regions where ‘enquire’ is preferred (e.g., Australia).
How has technology impacted the usage of inquiry/enquiry?
As language continues to evolve with new technologies, inquiry/enquiry is becoming more commonly pronounced as a single word – especially in informal settings. This has simplified the use of inquiry/enquiry, making them easier to understand and remember in many contexts.
What tips can help me avoid confusion when using inquire vs enquire?
If you are writing for an international audience, consider using both spellings for clarity. Additionally, be sure to differentiate between the noun forms ‘inquiry’ and ‘enquiry’ so your message is not confused or misinterpreted. If you are unsure which spelling to use in a certain region, it is best to do a quick online search to check usage guidelines published by local writers and editors. Lastly, if in doubt always go with what sounds right – as language is constantly changing it can sometimes be hard to keep up with the latest trends.
