Confusing words explained
“enquiry” vs “inquiry” — What’s the Difference?
Inquiry is American; enquiry is British.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: enquiry vs inquiry
Inquiry is American; enquiry is British.
enquiry vs inquiry Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of enquiry
A question or request for information.
A question asked to get information. British spelling of 'inquiry'.
Use enquiry in British writing; inquiry in American English.
- I received many enquiries about the product.
- Do you have any enquiries?
Meaning of inquiry
A question or request for information about something; an official investigation.
When you ask questions to find out information; an official search for facts about something.
Use inquiry when you mean when you ask questions to find out information; an official search for facts about something.
- The customer made an inquiry about the delivery date.
- Police launched an inquiry into the suspicious circumstances.
Usage Notes & Nuance
enquiry: Standard in British English; 'inquiry' is preferred in American English.
How to Remember the Difference
Enquiry is everyday and informal; inquiry is investigative and formal (use inquiry only in US English).
Common Mistakes with enquiry and inquiry
Mistake with enquiry
Correct: enquiry
Mistake with enquiry
Correct: enquiry
Mistake with inquiry
Wrong: I have got an inquiry from a customer yesterday.
Correct: I received an inquiry from a customer yesterday.
Use 'received' not 'have got' in formal contexts when discussing past events.
Mistake with inquiry
Wrong: The inquiry about the price are important.
Correct: The inquiry about the price is important.
'Inquiry' is singular, so use singular verb 'is', not plural 'are'.
Practice Quiz: enquiry or inquiry?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
Please send your _____ to the email below.
Question 2
The customer made an _____ about the delivery date.
Question 3
Police launched an _____ into the suspicious circumstances.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About enquiry vs inquiry
What’s the difference between “enquiry” and “inquiry”?
Inquiry is American; enquiry is British.
When should I use “enquiry”?
Use enquiry in British writing; inquiry in American English.
When should I use “inquiry”?
When you ask questions to find out information; an official search for facts about something.
How can I remember enquiry vs inquiry?
Enquiry is everyday and informal; inquiry is investigative and formal (use inquiry only in US English).
Is it “enquiry” or “inquiry” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.