I wanted to enquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "I wanted to enquire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence to ask a question, or to express an intention to make an inquiry. For example: "I wanted to enquire about the opening hours of your store".

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To get the capsule (or capsules) out of a Kinder Egg, one must eat the chocolate first, and I want to enquire as to what the vibe is like in a room when you are eating a Kinder Egg with the express intention of shoving the middle of it up your bum.

Vice

Gonzalo Higuain Should Suarez get his move to Real Madrid, Liverpool might want to enquire about a possible swap deal involving Higuain.

Independent

We might be small at the moment and not representing all but this is a view widely held in these three communities if you want to enquire further to establish the fact'.

BMC Health Services Research

I wanted to want more.

The New York Times

I wanted to do more.

Chemistry Central Journal

I wanted to do anything I can.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

I forget what I wanted to say.

BMC Public Health

I know I wanted to write things.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"I want to play county cricket next season and I have had people enquiring on my future," Goodwin said.

BBC

I recently met two young female budding entrepreneurs who each separately exclaimed, "I want to make a lot of money!" After the vomit subsided from my esophagus, I looked inside myself to enquire as to why I find such languaging to be crass, vulgar, gauche, and lacking grace and dignity.

Huffington Post

"Lots of clubs have enquired about me," he confessed, "but I have a contract with New York City FC and I want to respect it".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I wanted to enquire", consider the context and your audience; it works well in formal settings or when you want to convey a polite and respectful tone. However, in informal settings, a more direct approach like "I wanted to ask" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I wanted to enquire" in casual conversations or emails with close colleagues. Using overly formal language in informal settings can sound unnatural or even pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I wanted to ask" or "I was wondering".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wanted to enquire" functions as an introductory phrase to a question or request for information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, setting the stage for a formal inquiry.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wanted to enquire" is a grammatically correct way to introduce a question or request for information, primarily used in formal contexts to convey respect and politeness. Although Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's less common in everyday conversation where simpler alternatives like "I wanted to ask" are preferred. While the analyzed data shows limited real-world examples, guidance on best practices emphasizes considering your audience and avoiding overly formal language in informal settings. Understanding the appropriate context ensures effective and natural communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would like to ask

Presents a polite and direct way to phrase a question or request information.

I wished to ask

Replaces "wanted to enquire" with a more direct expression of asking, while retaining a formal tone.

I am writing to ask

Specifically suited for written communication, formally introducing an inquiry.

I am calling to ask

Suitable for spoken communication over the phone, initiating an inquiry.

I was hoping to ask

Conveys a similar intention but introduces a sense of hope or anticipation in making the inquiry.

I intended to ask

Focuses on the prior intention to make the inquiry, rather than the desire.

I meant to ask

Similar to 'intended to ask', highlighting the planned nature of the inquiry.

I have a question about

A more direct and less formal way to introduce an inquiry.

I'm calling to check

Suitable for situations where you want to verify some information you previously received.

Could you tell me

A polite way of asking for information.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I wanted to enquire"?

You can use alternatives like "I wished to ask", "I would like to ask", or "I am writing to ask depending on the context.

Is "I wanted to enquire" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "I wanted to enquire" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "I wanted to ask" or "I was wondering" are often more appropriate.

How to use "I wanted to enquire" in a sentence?

"I wanted to enquire" is typically followed by a clause introduced by "about" or "whether". For example, "I wanted to enquire about the availability of your services" or "I wanted to enquire whether you offer online courses".

Which is correct, "I wanted to enquire" or "I want to enquire"?

Both are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "I wanted to enquire" refers to a past intention, while "I want to enquire" expresses a present desire. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a past intention or a current one.