Enquire or Inquire? Which One Should You Use?

Inquire is the usual spelling in American English, while enquire is especially common in British English.

Both words mean to ask for information, so neither is simply “wrong.”

If you are writing an email, application, or business message, the choice can feel confusing. For a U.S. audience, inquire is generally the better choice.

British English often uses enquire, although inquire is also accepted. The same difference appears with inquiry and enquiry.

Quick Answer

Inquire is the standard choice in American English, while enquire is especially common in British English. Both words mean to ask for information. In British English, some writers distinguish enquire for general questions and inquire for formal investigations, but this distinction is not absolute.

Quick Rule

Use “inquire” in American English; “enquire” is especially common in British English.

What Is the Difference Between Enquire and Inquire?

Enquire and inquire both mean to ask for information. The main difference is regional usage: inquire is normally used in American English, while enquire is especially associated with British English.

For example:

I called to inquire about the course.

This is a natural American English sentence.

In British English, you may also see:

I called to enquire about the course.

The meaning is the same.

Cambridge lists enquire as a UK form and directs readers to inquire, while its American dictionary lists inquire and notes enquire as an alternative.

This means neither word is simply a spelling mistake.

They are both established English words.

The main difference is where and how they are commonly used.

Read More: Afterward or Afterwards? Which One Is Correct?

Is Inquire or Enquire Correct in American English?

Inquire is the usual choice in American English. American writers generally use inquire for asking for information, including formal questions and requests for details.

Examples include:

• I called to inquire about the price.
• She inquired about the job.
• We contacted the school to inquire about enrollment.
• He wanted to inquire about the application.
• The customer inquired about the return policy.

Cambridge’s American Dictionary uses inquire and defines it as asking for information. Oxford’s American English dictionary also gives inquire as the standard headword and provides examples such as inquire about the application process.

For a website targeting readers in the United States, inquire is therefore the safer default.

Example

If you are writing an American business email, write:

I am writing to inquire about the position.

This is the standard American spelling.

You may still encounter enquire in American writing, especially because both forms are recognized in English dictionaries. However, inquire is the form most closely associated with standard American usage.

Is Enquire vs Inquire Correct in British English?

Enquire is especially common in British English, but inquire is also used. British English therefore allows more variation between the two forms.

For example:

I am writing to enquire about the course.

This is natural British English.

You can also find:

I am writing to inquire about the course.

Oxford describes enquire as especially British English and notes that inquire is also used.

This is important because it would be inaccurate to say that British English always requires enquire.

Both forms exist in British usage.

Enquire or Inquire in Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand?

Canada usually follows the American pattern, so inquire is the common choice. Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland lean toward British habits, so enquire is common, but inquire is also used. Your audience and style guide should decide.

Country	Common Choice	Note
Canada	inquire	Similar to American English
Australia	enquire or inquire	Both appear; check your style guide
New Zealand	enquire or inquire	Both appear; check your style guide
Ireland	enquire or inquire	Both appear; check your style guide

For example:

I called the council to enquire about the permit. (common in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland)

I called the council to inquire about the permit. (common in Canada)

For official investigations, inquiry is widely used in British-style English, for example in a public inquiry.

If you run a business website, match the spelling used by your target country. Do not switch between the two on the same page.

When to Use Inquire

Use inquire when you want to ask for information, especially when writing American English. It is also widely accepted in British English and can be used for both general questions and formal investigations.

Common patterns include:

Inquire about

Use inquire about when asking for information about something.

I called to inquire about the available classes.

She inquired about the job opening.

We contacted the hotel to inquire about room availability.

Inquire into

Use inquire into when referring to an investigation or examination.

The committee will inquire into the complaint.

Officials were asked to inquire into the matter.

The phrase can suggest a more formal investigation.

Inquire whether

You can also use inquire whether before a question or issue.

She inquired whether the meeting had been canceled.

Inquire why

You can use inquire why to ask for an explanation.

He inquired why the payment had been delayed.

Oxford lists several of these patterns, including inquire about, inquire as to, and inquire why.

When to Use Enquire

Use enquire when writing British English, especially for the general meaning of asking for information. The spelling is established and correct, although British English also uses inquire.

Examples:

I called to enquire about the train times.

She enquired about the available positions.

We would like to enquire about your services.

He enquired whether the office was open.

The word is somewhat formal.

In everyday conversation, ask is usually simpler.

Compare:

I want to ask about the price.

I want to enquire about the price.

Both can work, but ask sounds more direct and conversational.

Oxford describes enquire/inquire as a rather formal way to ask for information.

Enquire or Inquire: Comparison Table

Form	Common Usage	Meaning	Example
inquire	American English	Ask for information	I called to inquire about the course.
enquire	Especially British English	Ask for information	I called to enquire about the course.
inquire into	American and British English	Investigate	The committee will inquire into the issue.
enquire into	British English	Investigate	The committee will enquire into the issue.

The most useful rule for American readers is simple:

American English → inquire

British English → enquire is common, but inquire is also used

Oxford specifically notes that either spelling can be used in either meaning, even though British writers sometimes use the two forms differently.

Inquire vs Enquire for Formal Writing?

Inquire is the better default for formal American writing. It works well in business emails, applications, customer service messages, academic writing, and professional communication.

For example:

I am writing to inquire about the status of my application.

This sounds natural in American professional English.

Another example:

I would like to inquire about your admission requirements.

For British readers, enquire may be more natural:

I am writing to enquire about the status of my application.

The important point is consistency.

If your audience is American, use inquire.

If your audience is British, enquire is a natural choice.

Enquire and Inquire in Business Emails

Inquire is generally the better choice for business writing aimed at an American audience. It is clear, formal, and widely understood.

American English

Dear Admissions Office,

I am writing to inquire about the application deadline.

British English

Dear Admissions Office,

I am writing to enquire about the application deadline.

Both versions communicate the same idea.

The difference is mainly regional.

You should also consider your company’s style guide.

If a company consistently uses American English, inquire will usually fit better.

If it follows British English conventions, enquire may be preferred.

Inquire Now or Enquire Now on Websites?

Use “Inquire Now” for a US or Canadian audience and “Enquire Now” for a UK, Australian, or Irish one. Match the button to the rest of your site.

Keep related labels consistent too. If the button says Enquire Now, the form title should say Enquiry Form, not “Inquiry Form.”

May I Enquire? Polite Phrases with Enquire and Inquire

“May I enquire” and “If I may inquire” are polite, formal ways to ask a question. “Just enquiring” is a casual British phrase used when you want information without committing.

• May I enquire whether the room is still available?
• If I may inquire, when does registration close?
• Can I enquire about delivery times? (slightly less formal than “May I”)
• Just enquiring, do you deliver to this area?
• I wanted to inquire about the course dates. (softer in emails)
• I will inquire at the office and let you know.

In everyday speech, “Can I ask…” is the simplest option.

Inquire or Enquire Examples

Here are natural examples showing how both forms work.

Examples with Inquire

1. I called to inquire about the course.
2. She inquired about the job opening.
3. We need to inquire about the price.
4. He inquired whether the office was open.
5. I would like to inquire about your services.
6. The customer inquired about the refund.
7. She inquired why the meeting was canceled.
8. They called to inquire about the application.
9. He wanted to inquire into the complaint.
10. The committee will inquire into the matter.

Examples with Enquire

1. I called to enquire about the course.
2. She enquired about the job opening.
3. We would like to enquire about your services.
4. He enquired whether the office was open.
5. I am writing to enquire about the application.
6. The customer enquired about the refund.
7. She enquired why the meeting was canceled.
8. They called to enquire about the program.
9. The committee will enquire into the matter.
10. He enquired about the available rooms.

The examples show that the two forms can work in the same types of sentences.

The main distinction is regional preference.

Enquiry vs Inquiry?

Inquiry is the usual American spelling, while enquiry is especially common in British English. Both nouns refer to a request for information, and both can also refer to an investigation.

For example:

I made an inquiry about the course.

American English commonly uses inquiry.

In British English, you may see:

I made an enquiry about the course.

Oxford lists enquiry as especially British and inquiry as the North American form, while also noting that both spellings can be used in British English.

Simple comparison

American English:

inquiry

British English:

enquiry

But remember that British English can also use inquiry.

This follows the same general pattern as inquire/enquire.

Enquire Into or Inquire Into

Inquire into and enquire into can both mean to investigate something. Inquire into is the natural choice for American English, while British English may use either form.

For example:

The committee will inquire into the allegations.

This means the committee will investigate them.

British English may also use:

The committee will enquire into the allegations.

Oxford gives inquire into as a phrasal verb and explains that British English may use either spelling.

Do not confuse inquire about with inquire into.

Inquire about

Usually means ask for information.

I called to inquire about the course.

Inquire into

Usually means investigate something.

The committee will inquire into the complaint.

This distinction is useful in formal writing.

Which Preposition Goes with Inquire and Enquire?

Inquire about is the most common pattern. Inquire into means to investigate. Other prepositions, such as at, with, and of, depend on who or what you are asking. The same patterns work with enquire.

Pattern	Meaning	Example
inquire about	Ask for information on something	I inquired about the fees.
inquire into	Investigate	The board will inquire into the delay.
inquire whether / if	Ask if something is true	She inquired whether seats were free.
inquire as to	Formal and a little wordy	He inquired as to the cause.
inquire of	Ask a person (formal)	I inquired of the clerk.
inquire after	Ask about someone’s health	She inquired after your mother.
inquire at	Ask at a place	Inquire at the front desk.
inquire with	Ask a person or office	Please inquire with HR.
inquire for	Ask for a person or item (less common)	Inquire for the manager.

Whether sounds more formal. If is fine in everyday writing.

Inquire as to is correct, but inquire about is usually shorter and clearer.

Inquire To, Inquire On and Inquire From

“Inquire to” is not a standard pattern. Use inquire about or inquire with instead.

“Inquire on” is rare. Most writers choose inquire about or inquire into.

“Inquire from” does appear in some writing, such as “inquire from the office.” But inquire with or ask reads more naturally.

Wrong: I will inquire to the manager.

Better: I will inquire with the manager.

Can You Say “Inquire Information” or “Enquire Us”?

No. Inquire and enquire do not take “information” or a person as a direct object. Add a preposition or use a simpler verb.

• ❌ I inquired more information.
• ✅ I inquired about more information.
• ✅ I asked for more information.
• ❌ We would like to enquire you.
• ✅ We would like to ask you.
• ❌ Enquire us today.
• ✅ Enquire with us today. / Contact us today.

Is There a Meaning Difference Between Inquire and Enquire?

Usually, no. Both forms can mean “ask for information.” However, some British English usage distinguishes them by meaning, with enquire for general questions and inquire for formal investigations.

This distinction is worth knowing, but it should not be treated as an absolute rule.

Oxford explicitly states that British speakers sometimes make this distinction.

It also says that either spelling can be used in either meaning.

So these statements are both too strong:

❌ “Enquire only means ask.”

❌ “Inquire only means investigate.”

A better explanation is:

British English sometimes distinguishes the two forms, but the distinction is not universal.

In American English, inquire is normally used for both meanings.

How to Spell Enquire, Inquire and Their Verb Forms

Both words follow regular verb patterns: add -s, -d, or -ing to the base form. Only the first letter, i or e, changes between them.

Base	He / She / It	Past	-ing	Noun	Plural Noun
inquire	inquires	inquired	inquiring	inquiry	inquiries
enquire	enquires	enquired	enquiring	enquiry	enquiries

Notice that the past tense is enquired, not “enquiried.” The final e is kept before -d.

Easy spelling tip: both words end in -nquire. Only the first letter changes.

Inquires vs Inquiries

Inquires is a verb. Inquiries is the plural noun.

• She inquires about prices every week. (verb)
• We received three inquiries today. (noun)

The same rule applies to enquires and enquiries.

Inquirer vs Enquire

Inquirer is a noun for a person who inquires. It is not another spelling of the verb.

• The inquirer asked about the schedule.
• She decided to inquire about the schedule.

The British spelling for the person is enquirer.

Don’t Mix Spellings in One Sentence

Pick one spelling pattern and use it throughout. Mixing them looks careless.

• ❌ We enquired about your inquiry.
• ✅ We inquired about your inquiry. (American)
• ✅ We enquired about your enquiry. (British)

Common Mistakes

1. Using “enquire” in American writing without realizing the regional difference

Enquire is a real English word.

However, if you are writing for a U.S. audience, inquire is usually the more natural choice.

2. Saying “enquire” is incorrect

This is also incorrect.

Enquire is an established spelling, especially in British English.

Cambridge identifies it as a UK form.

3. Saying “inquire” is only American

This is too broad.

British English also uses inquire, particularly in formal contexts and in the spelling inquiry.

Oxford specifically notes that British English can use either spelling.

4. Confusing inquiry and enquiry

Both nouns exist.

Inquiry is the normal American form.

Enquiry is especially British.

5. Using “inquire” when “ask” would be simpler

There is nothing grammatically wrong with inquire.

However, it is more formal than ask.

For everyday conversation, this is often better:

Can I ask about the price?

Instead of:

Can I inquire about the price?

Both are understandable.

The first is simply more natural in casual speech.

Enquire or Inquire: Which One Should You Use?

For American English, choose inquire. For British English, enquire is a natural choice, although inquire is also correct. Your audience should guide your spelling.

If you write for Americans

Use:

inquire

I am writing to inquire about the position.

If you write for British readers

You can use:

enquire

I am writing to enquire about the position.

You can also use inquire in British English.

The choice is therefore not simply about right versus wrong.

It is mainly about regional usage and writing style.

Easy Memory Trick

Use this simple memory trick:

America → INquire

Britain → ENquire

Think of inquire as your default choice for American English.

Think of enquire as the spelling you are more likely to see in British English.

For the nouns:

American → inquiry

British → enquiry

This gives you a useful four-word pattern:

American: inquire → inquiry

British: enquire → enquiry

Remember that British English can also use the in- forms.

Synonyms for Enquire and Inquire

The simplest synonym is “ask.” Other options depend on the situation.

Word	Best For	Example
ask	Everyday use	I asked about the price.
query	Questioning something specific	She queried the invoice.
request	Asking for something	He requested more details.
look into	Informal investigation	We will look into the delay.
investigate	Formal investigation	Officials will investigate the claim.
check	Confirming something	I will check with the office.

FAQs

1.Is “enquire” or “inquire” correct?

Both are correct English words. Inquire is the usual American English form, while enquire is especially common in British English.

2.Is “enquire” British or American?

Enquire is especially associated with British English. American English normally uses inquire.

3.Is “inquire” American or British?

Inquire is the standard form in American English. It is also used in British English.

4.Should I use “inquire” in American English?

Yes. Inquire is the usual choice for American English, including formal writing and business communication.

5.Should I use “enquire” in British English?

You can. Enquire is especially common in British English, particularly for the general meaning of asking for information.

6.Are enquire and inquire pronounced the same?

They are generally pronounced the same or very similarly. The main difference is their spelling and regional usage.

7.What is the difference between Inquire and Enquire?

Inquiry is the usual American spelling, while enquiry is especially common in British English. Both can refer to a request for information or an investigation.

8.Is “enquire about” correct?

Yes. Enquire about is correct and means to ask for information about something. It is especially common in British English.

9.Is “inquire about” correct?

Yes. Inquire about is correct and widely used in American English. It means to ask for information about something.

10.Is “inquire into” correct?

Yes. Inquire into can mean to investigate something. British English may also use enquire into.

Conclusion:

Enquire and inquire are both correct English words. The main difference is regional usage. Inquire is the standard choice in American English, while enquire is especially common in British English.

British English sometimes uses enquire for general questions and inquire for formal investigations. However, this distinction is not absolute.

If your website targets U.S. readers, inquire is the best default. For British readers, enquire is a natural option.

The same pattern applies to the nouns: inquiry is common in American English, while enquiry is especially British.