Enquiry vs Inquiry
Enquiry and inquiry look and sound similar, but they have different uses depending on the type of English being spoken. Enquiry is a noun mostly used in British English, and it means a “an act of investigation or a search for more information.” Inquiry, similarly, is also a noun and means the same thing as enquiry, but it is common to American English. In British English inquiry refers to a more formal investigation.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Enquiry (noun)
An act of investigation or search for more information (British English).
Examples:
The teacher will be conducting an enquiry into the identity of the student who marked up the desk.
One of the reasons I ended things with my ex-girlfriend was because of her constant need to hold enquiries into my whereabouts.
Notice how enquiry is being used as a noun that details an investigation, but in British English it usually refers to a less formal investigation. Enquiry is not commonly used in American English.
Inquiry (noun)
An act of investigation or search for more information (American English); in British English, a more formal investigation.
Examples:
Detective Allen will be moving forward with the inquiry into the suspect of the car robbery.
A widespread inquiry will be held about the Prime Minister due to his recent scandals.
As you can see, inquiry, in this case is being used for the same meaning, an investigation, but in British English, inquiry is used when referring to a formal investigation.
Main Points
- Enquiry is a noun used in British English to refer to an informal investigation. It is rarely used in American English.
- Inquiry is a noun used in American English to refer to any kind of investigation while in British English it refers to a formal investigation.
- While both are generally used interchangeably in British English, remember that there are regional preferences in spelling and that inquiry is used when referring to a formal investigation.