If you’re searching for “inquire or enquire,” you’re likely trying to clear up one of the most common spelling confusions in English.
Both words look almost the same, so many people struggle to decide which one is correct for emails, reports, and professional writing.
That’s exactly why this guide is here — to give you a simple, clear, and engaging explanation.
In this intro, you’ll quickly understand what “inquire” and “enquire” mean, how they differ, and which spelling you should use depending on your audience and writing style.
Inquire or Enquire – Quick Answer
Both “inquire” and “enquire” mean to ask questions or seek information.
- Inquire: Preferred in American English and in formal contexts worldwide.
Example: I will inquire about the job opening. - Enquire: Common in British English for general or informal questions.
Example: She enquired about the train schedule.
Tip: Use inquire for official matters and enquire for casual or conversational queries in the UK.
The Origin of Inquire or Enquire
The words inquire and enquire come from the Latin inquirere, meaning “to seek for.” Over time, English borrowed the word, leading to variations in spelling.
- Inquire: Developed as a formal spelling in English, widely adopted in America.
- Enquire: Evolved in Britain as the traditional spelling, still common in everyday usage.
Both spellings have been in use for centuries. The difference mainly reflects regional preferences rather than meaning.
British English vs American English Spelling
American English favors inquire, while British English allows both inquire (formal) and enquire (informal). Here’s a comparison:
| Usage | American English | British English | Example Sentence |
| Formal inquiry | Inquire | Inquire | We need to inquire about your application. |
| Casual question | Rare | Enquire | He enquired if the shop was open. |
| Official correspondence | Inquire | Inquire | Please inquire at the reception desk. |
Rule of thumb: Americans always use inquire, while the British differentiate between formal and informal usage.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- United States: Always use inquire.
- United Kingdom & Commonwealth: Use enquire for general questions and inquire for formal communication.
- Global/International Writing: If writing for mixed audiences, inquire is safer and universally understood.
Common Mistakes with Inquire or Enquire
- Writing enquire in American English emails – incorrect.
- Using inquire casually in British informal writing – sounds overly formal.
- Confusing the words with unrelated terms like “require” or “enquirements.”
- Forgetting capitalization in titles: “How to Inquire About Jobs” – correct.
- Mixing the forms in the same document – maintain consistency.
Inquire or Enquire in Everyday Examples
- Emails: Please inquire about the invoice.
- News articles: Officials enquired into the matter.
- Social media: DM us to inquire about the event.
- Formal writing: Candidates should inquire at the admissions office.
- Casual conversation (UK): She enquired about your weekend.
Inquire or Enquire – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends show that inquire dominates searches in the US, while enquire is more frequent in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Searches peak for “inquire” in professional contexts and for “enquire” in casual, educational, and travel contexts.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Inquire | Enquire |
| Region | US/Global | UK/Commonwealth |
| Formality | Formal/Official | Informal/General |
| Typical Usage | Business, Legal | Conversation, News |
| Google Trends Popularity | Higher in US | Higher in UK |
FAQs
Q1: Can I use enquire in the US?
A: Technically yes, but it may look unusual; use inquire instead.
Q2: Is inquire always formal?
A: Yes, it’s the preferred choice for official and professional communication.
Q3: Can enquirer be used?
A: Yes, “enquirer” refers to a person asking questions, mainly in British English.
Q4: Is there a difference in meaning?
A: No, both words mean to seek information; differences are only regional and stylistic.
Q5: Should I change enquire to inquire in international writing?
A: Yes, inquire is universally understood and avoids regional confusion.
Q6: Are there related words to remember?
A: Yes, inquiry, enquiry, inquisitive, and question.
Q7: How do I remember which one to use?
A: Use inquire for formal or American English, and enquire for informal British contexts.
Conclusion
The confusion between inquire and enquire is common but easy to resolve. Both words mean the same thing—asking for information—but their spelling depends on your audience.
Americans always prefer inquire, while the British use enquire for general questions and inquire for formal ones. When writing for a global audience, sticking with inquire ensures clarity and professionalism. By understanding these differences, you can confidently write emails, news articles, social media posts, and formal documents without worrying about spelling errors.
Remember, the right choice improves readability, professionalism, and trust. So next time you ask a question in writing, choose wisely: inquire or enquire?
Amelia Whitford is a talented writer at lingorae.com, known for her clever wit and engaging style.
A true master of puns, she crafts playful wordplay that entertains and inspires readers.
