enquired of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enquired of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is asking a question or seeking information from a specific person or source. Example: "She enquired of the librarian about the availability of the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Pam Ayres?" she enquired of Mr Rawnsley.

The Guardian - Books

What did all of us think, a gentleman near the front politely enquired, of the idea of tweeting during shows?

The Guardian

"Are you the seven dwarves?" she enquired of the little men with white beards and pointy hats.

The Guardian - Books

When he enquired of me in 2005 how his great niece was getting on (then a new colleague of mine), I responded that she made me laugh.

Independent

I enquired of my 12-year-old godson as to whether he had played cops and robbers and was told that he had only played it once or twice.

The New York Times

"How much today were Manchester City galvanised by Wayne Bridge," he enquired of Tevez, in the way one might ask one's goldfish to précis Kant's distinction between transcendent and transcendental.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Is there piss in that cup?" she enquires of someone in the front row.

The Guardian - Music

"Why does a girl shorten her name to a sound?" Katharina enquires of Mizi.

The New York Times - Arts

He gently enquires of the children if there are any who have not eaten that morning before coming to school.

The Guardian

"How much longer do I have to stay here?" he enquires of a nurse at one point.

The Guardian - Film

So, why did I have to be so churlish as to enquire of our guide: "How many canal boats, exactly, have used this since it was all opened in 2002?" She had the figure at her tongue-tip: 4,000.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enquired of" when you want to convey a slightly more formal tone than simply using "asked". It is particularly suitable in written communication where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "enquired of" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious if used inappropriately. Opt for simpler alternatives like "asked" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enquired of" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition. It indicates the act of asking or seeking information from a specific person or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct, although other options may be more common.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

37%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enquired of" is a grammatically correct, though somewhat formal, way to describe asking someone a question or seeking information. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, although it's important to note its relatively uncommon usage in modern English. As demonstrated by the examples, "enquired of" appears most frequently in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedic contexts. When aiming for a more casual tone, simpler alternatives like "asked" are generally more appropriate. However, in formal writing contexts, "enquired of" can add a touch of sophistication and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquired of

A more formal synonym, retaining the original phrasing structure but with a slightly different verb.

asked

More common and direct alternative, suitable for most contexts.

questioned

Implies a more formal or investigative tone than "asked".

queried

A more formal and less common synonym for "asked".

made inquiries with

More verbose and indirect, emphasizing the process of seeking information.

requested information from

Focuses on making a formal request for information.

sought information from

Focuses on the act of seeking information rather than simply asking.

approached for information

Emphasizes the act of reaching out to someone for information.

put a question to

A more old-fashioned or literary way of saying "asked".

consulted with

Implies seeking advice or expertise, not just information.

FAQs

What does "enquired of" mean?

The phrase "enquired of" means to ask someone a question or seek information from them. It's a slightly more formal way of saying "asked".

When should I use "enquired of" instead of "asked"?

Use "enquired of" in formal writing or when you want to convey a more sophisticated tone. In casual conversation, "asked" is generally more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "enquired of"?

Alternatives include "inquired of", "questioned", "queried", or simply "asked", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "enquired of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "enquired of" is grammatically correct, although it's less common in modern usage than alternatives like "asked".