inquire about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inquire about something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for information or clarification regarding a specific topic or issue. Example: "I would like to inquire about the status of my application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We write to inquire about something we don't fully know at the beginning, and we use making (with text and sometimes images) as a way to push that inquiry forward.

The New York Times

Inquire about something meaningful, such as: "I hear your daughter was accepted to Ohio State, and your son to the University of Texas.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After Manager Joe Torre was asked about his team's postseason plans, he playfully admonished reporters Sunday for inquiring about something that had not yet occurred.

The New York Times - Sports

You can also inquire about research studies, something experts say can improve an Alzheimer's patients' cognitive abilities even if they receive a placebo.

Los Angeles Times

Instead of putting a "sad story" spin on disability whenever they inquire about someone, saying something along the lines of, "But it's ok".

Huffington Post

We've had a lot of countries inquire about using Clever, it's not something we're actively doing right now, but with the right team in place and the right traction in the US it's something that could be useful in any country.

TechCrunch

I just wanted to smoosh his cheeks the whole time and inquire about the meaning of life or something.

Huffington Post

Keep your head down and inquire about full-time opportunities until you find something.

WikiHow

But if you can offer them something they want or need, inquire about the next step.

Forbes

If something interests you, contact that department to inquire about their approach.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Something told me to turn around, wait my turn and inquire about this concept.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, "inquire about something" is appropriate for requesting specific details or clarifications. However, for less formal settings, consider using "ask about something".

Common error

Avoid using "inquire about something" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ask about" or "check out" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquire about something" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "inquire" is the main verb indicating the action of asking or seeking information, and "about something" specifies the subject of the inquiry. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inquire about something" is a grammatically correct phrase used to formally ask for information or clarification. Ludwig indicates its usage is accurate and appropriate, especially in professional, academic, or news-related contexts. While it's not incorrect to use in informal settings, simpler alternatives like "ask about something" might be more suitable. The phrase appears commonly in news media and WikiHow articles, suggesting its widespread use in both formal and informational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ask about something

A more direct and informal alternative to "inquire about something".

Enquire about something

A British English variant of "inquire about something", maintaining the same level of formality.

Request information on something

A more formal and explicit way of asking for details.

Get information about something

A general way to express the need for data or knowledge.

Seek details about something

Focuses on actively pursuing specific information.

Make an inquiry regarding something

A highly formal and often bureaucratic way of asking for information.

Find out about something

Focuses on the act of discovering or learning information.

Investigate something

Implies a more thorough and systematic search for information.

Look into something

Suggests a preliminary examination or exploration of a topic.

Check something out

An informal way to suggest investigating or learning about something.

FAQs

How can I use "inquire about something" in a sentence?

You can use "inquire about something" when you need to ask for details or clarification on a particular subject. For example, "I'd like to inquire about the pricing options" or "She called to inquire about the availability of the product".

What are some alternative ways to say "inquire about something"?

Some alternatives include "ask about something", "request information on something", or "find out about something". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "inquire about something" formal or informal?

"Inquire about something" is generally considered more formal than "ask about something". Use "inquire" in professional or academic settings when a degree of formality is desired.

What's the difference between "inquire about something" and "ask about something"?

While both phrases mean to seek information, "inquire about something" suggests a more formal and detailed request. "Ask about something" is more general and can be used in casual settings.