inquired me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inquired me" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It is incorrect because "inquire" typically takes a direct object that refers to the information being sought, not the person being asked. Example: "She inquired about my availability for the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"What are we going to do?" my grandfather inquired me.

The New Yorker

"He does not eat any meat at all?" she inquired me.

The New Yorker

"How do we get there?" my grandfather inquired me when the hero and I entered the car.

The New Yorker

"Have you ever fallen in love?" he inquired me, which seemed like such a queer inquiry, so I returned it to him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I could not perceive if he was inquiring me, or tutoring me.

The New Yorker

It also explains why Ritt inquired of me, with raucous cordiality as we shook hands, what the hell had possessed me to dress like a maître d'.

The New Yorker

By Helen Hudecek and John McCarten The New Yorker, September 26 , 1959P. 38 At the theatre the other evening, a lady who had stayed in her seat during the intermission was accosted by a heavyset man who inquired, "Pardon me, but did I step on your foot as I went out?" The lady replied that he certainly had.

The New Yorker

I guess they had inquired about me -- I was making a movie in Toronto and I had a movie after that already scheduled.

Huffington Post

"I just hope that if they ever try to find me, if they inquire about me, I will be somebody," he said.

The New York Times

Inquire me again.

The New Yorker

Others, very few, seem to have all the time in the world -- they will inquire about me, my health, my parents and everyone else they have met through me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to convey that someone asked you something, use the phrase "asked me" or "questioned me" instead of the grammatically incorrect "inquired me".

Common error

Avoid using "inquire" directly followed by a pronoun like "me". "Inquire" typically needs a preposition like "of" or "about" or should be followed by a question. For example, use "inquired of me" or "inquired about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inquired me" is a grammatically incorrect construction where the verb "inquired" is directly followed by the pronoun "me". The correct usage requires a preposition such as "of" or "about" after "inquired" when referring to a person. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not considered correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inquired me" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting that "inquire" typically requires a preposition like "of" or "about" when the object is a person. Instead, it's more appropriate to use alternatives such as "asked me" or "questioned me". While the phrase appears in some sources, primarily in News & Media, its infrequency and grammatical incorrectness suggest avoiding it in formal writing. The correct forms, such as "inquired of me" or "inquired about me", should be favored for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asked me

A direct and grammatically correct substitute for seeking information.

questioned me

Implies a more formal or investigatory manner of seeking information.

queried me

A slightly more formal synonym for "asked me", suggesting a specific question.

made inquiries of me

A formal way of saying someone asked questions, emphasizing the act of inquiring.

put questions to me

Emphasizes the act of posing multiple questions.

requested information from me

Highlights the seeking of specific details or knowledge.

sought information from me

Similar to 'requested information', but can also imply seeking advice or guidance.

interviewed me

Suggests a structured questioning process, often for a specific purpose.

consulted me

Implies seeking advice or an opinion on a matter.

canvassed me

To solicit votes, contributions, or opinions from

FAQs

What's the correct way to say someone asked me a question?

Instead of the incorrect "inquired me", use alternatives like "asked me" or "questioned me". The verb "inquire" usually takes "of" or "about" before the person.

Is it ever correct to use 'inquire' with a direct object?

Yes, but not with a person. You can "inquire" about a situation or topic, such as "He inquired about the terms of the agreement." Using "inquire" directly before a person is grammatically incorrect; instead use "asked me".

What can I say instead of "inquired me"?

Use alternatives like "asked me", "queried me" or "questioned me" depending on the context. The verb "inquire" requires a different construction when referring to a person.

How can I use 'inquire' correctly in a sentence?

To use "inquire" correctly when addressing a person you should use "inquired of me" or "inquired about me". For example, "He "inquired of me" the details of the event" or "He "inquired about me" to my neighbor".