enquiry

USAGE SUMMARY

"enquiry" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun meaning a formal request for information or a request for an official investigation. For example: The police opened an enquiry into the disappearance of the teenage girl.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A 21-year-old man was detained by officers on Wednesday and police said they were "following a definite line of enquiry".

The Guardian

Related: Read the Prince Charles 'black spider' memos in full The government has in any case closed off this route of enquiry.

The Guardian

Attlee was persuaded to move him to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, where he proved a successful minister, save for the mishandling of the report from a crash enquiry that almost cost him his job.

The Guardian

Tottenham Hotspur had also hoped to prise Mata from Stamford Bridge, though their manager Andre Villas-Boas — who was in charge at Chelsea when the Spaniard was signed in 2011 — has admitted any enquiry would have been given short shrift by their London rivals.

The Guardian - Sport

This enquiry led to a series of related concerns: why was he decent in some films, such as Dead Man's Shoes, but so appalling in others?

The Guardian - Film

The Labour prime minister, James Callaghan, set up a cabinet committee and persuaded the TUC and Apex to allow a court of enquiry under Lord Justice Scarman to resolve the dispute.

The Guardian

Cross-examined by Lord Scarman before the court of enquiry, Alden could not explain why the workers that Ward had described as "my ladies" had walked out.

The Guardian

What I don't understand is why Jeremy Hunt, the Culture Secretary, has not simply published the [Ofcom] report and announced that there will be a further Competition Commission enquiry into whether the takeover restricts plurality in the media (or choice for viewers and readers).

The Guardian

Is Mr Hunt doing so to ward off any possible legal challenge from NewsCorp to a decision to order a further enquiry?

The Guardian

This strikes me as a fairly extreme statement and one worthy of further enquiry on my part.

The Guardian - Books

Sexual dimorphism – the actual difference between the appearances of the male and the female – is a separate area of enquiry.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enquiry" when referring to a formal or official investigation, especially in British English. In American English, "inquiry" is more common.

Common error

Be mindful of the regional differences between "enquiry" and "inquiry". While both words essentially mean the same thing, "enquiry" is more commonly used in British English, while "inquiry" is more prevalent in American English. Using the less common term can sound unnatural to native speakers.

Linguistic Context

The noun "enquiry" primarily functions as a request for information or a formal investigation. Ludwig provides examples where it's used in contexts like police investigations, government committees, and general requests for information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enquiry" is a noun primarily used to denote a request for information or a formal investigation. While "inquiry" is more common in American English, "enquiry" is frequently used in British English and formal contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the word appears often in news reports, scientific articles, and business communications. It's crucial to be aware of the regional preferences to ensure natural-sounding language. Ludwig AI confirms that "enquiry" is indeed a correct and usable word. Consider alternatives like "investigation" or "query" depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquiry

A more formal and general term for seeking information or investigating.

query

Implies a specific question or request for information.

investigation

Focuses more on a systematic or formal examination of a situation or event.

examination

Emphasizes a detailed inspection or study.

probe

Suggests a thorough and often sensitive investigation.

study

Implies a careful and detailed investigation or analysis.

review

Suggests a formal assessment or evaluation of something.

exploration

Highlights the process of discovering or learning about something new.

assessment

Focuses on evaluating or judging the value or quality of something.

fact-finding mission

Highlights the goal of uncovering the truth or gathering information.

FAQs

What's the difference between "enquiry" and "inquiry"?

Both "enquiry" and "inquiry" refer to a request for information or an investigation. "Enquiry" is more common in British English, while "inquiry" is preferred in American English.

When should I use "enquiry" instead of "question"?

Use "enquiry" when referring to a formal request for information or an official investigation, such as a police "investigation" or a customer "query". "Question" is more general.

What are some synonyms for "enquiry"?

Synonyms for "enquiry" include "inquiry", "question", "query", "investigation", and "probe", depending on the context.

How do I use "enquiry" in a sentence?

You can use "enquiry" in a sentence like this: "The police launched an "enquiry" into the matter," or "I made an "enquiry" about the flight details".