inquired about

USAGE SUMMARY

"inquired about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're asking or inquiring about something. For example: "She inquired about the cost of the tickets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He inquired about a room.

The New York Times

I recently inquired about it.

The New York Times - Books

I inquired about the upholstery.

The New York Times

They inquired about his limp.

The Washington Post

Diplomatically, I inquired about its fate.

The New York Times

Pattison inquired about the issue at length.

The New Yorker

Nobody inquired about family or work.

The New Yorker

Then she inquired about the pilot.

The New Yorker

I inquired about the contrast.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sophie inquired about "bear bangers".

The Guardian - Travel

Akkram always inquired about Catapult.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inquired about" when you want to express a formal or polite request for information. It is suitable for professional or academic contexts where a respectful tone is important.

Common error

While "asked about" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in contexts that require a more formal tone. "Inquired about" adds a layer of politeness and professionalism that "asked about" may lack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquired about" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a verb followed by a preposition. This construction indicates the action of asking or seeking information about a particular subject. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquired about" is a versatile phrase used to express the act of asking or seeking information, particularly in formal contexts. Ludwig’s analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. When choosing between "inquired about" and its alternatives, consider the level of formality required. For professional settings, "inquired about" is preferable, while "asked about" may suffice for casual conversations. Remember to avoid common errors by recognizing the nuances of formality. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "inquired about" to communicate with precision and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asked about

A more direct and less formal alternative, suitable for everyday conversation.

queried about

A slightly more formal and direct alternative, emphasizing the act of questioning.

enquired about

A British English variant of "inquired about", interchangeable in most contexts.

made inquiries regarding

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "inquired about", often used in professional settings.

sought information on

Focuses on the act of seeking information, rather than directly asking.

investigated

Implies a more thorough and detailed examination or inquiry.

researched

Suggests a systematic and in-depth study of a particular subject.

explored

Implies examining or discussing a subject in detail.

probed into

Indicates a deeper, more invasive investigation.

looked into

A more casual way of saying investigated, suggesting a preliminary examination.

FAQs

What is the difference between "inquired about" and "asked about"?

"Inquired about" is a more formal and polite way of saying "asked about". While both phrases mean to seek information, "inquired about" is better suited for professional or academic settings.

How to use "inquired about" in a sentence?

You can use "inquired about" to describe someone seeking information on a particular topic. For example, "The student "inquired about" the requirements for the course".

What are some alternatives to "inquired about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "asked about", "queried about", or "made inquiries regarding".

Is "enquired about" the same as "inquired about"?

Yes, "enquired about" is the British English spelling of "inquired about". They are interchangeable and have the same meaning.