inquires

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'inquires' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to ask for information. It can be used in the present, past, and future tenses. For example, "The police officer inquires about the suspect's whereabouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Is it true that one can go to the Champs-Elysées in Paris, grab a woman's hand, and have sex with her any time he wants?" he inquires, as if hoping to confirm something heard in a sermon or indoctrination session.

The Guardian

"How did you become an expert on what does and doesn't exist?" he inquires in the perfect curmudgeonly Glaswegian husk.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Trinity Mirror is one of those rare listed companies that's helping police with their inquires – yet not also operating within the financial services or heavy industry sectors.

The Guardian - Business

Just before they set off for the moon, fellow astronaut Arnold Bedford inquires: "I say, Cavor, we will be able to get back, won't we?" "I don't see why not," says Cavor vaguely.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Negroes?" one inquires.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In response to questions about his past, the mayor inquires whether you yourself have ever been in prison.

The Economist

His reply to inquires about the secret of his musical success was deliberately opaque: "I was obliged to be industrious; whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well".Sir John arrives at better answers by closely scrutinising the work.

The Economist

"Skunk weed, man?", inquires a vendor on Landor Road in Lambeth.

The Economist

Mr Drum inquires:  Now why would this be?

The Economist

Prodding her further, the man inquires about the entertainment.

The Economist

About two no-show students, he inquires to his classics class, "Do they exist, or are they spooks?" Coincidentally, the absent students, on which Coleman had never laid eyes, are black.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inquires" when a formal or slightly elevated tone is desired. In more casual contexts, consider using "asks" or "questions".

Common error

Avoid using "inquires" in very informal settings. It can sound overly formal or even stilted in casual conversation. Choose a simpler alternative like "asks" or "wants to know" for better suitability.

Linguistic Context

Inquires functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of "inquire". It indicates the action of asking or seeking information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inquires" is the third-person singular present tense of the verb "inquire", used to denote the act of asking or seeking information. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, which commonly appears in neutral to formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias and science. While it's suitable for professional communications, simpler terms like "asks" might be preferred in casual settings. The phrase is frequently employed in news and media, reflecting its role in reporting and information gathering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes inquiries

A slightly more formal and elaborated version of "inquires".

asks

This is a simpler and more direct synonym for "inquires".

queries

Similar to "inquires" but slightly more formal.

questions

A very common and versatile synonym.

investigates

Implies a more thorough and systematic inquiry.

examines

Suggests a close and careful inquiry.

explores

Indicates a broad and open-ended inquiry.

probes

Suggests a deep and penetrating inquiry.

seeks information

More descriptive and less direct.

conducts research

This implies an investigation that is more organized and methodical.

FAQs

How to use "inquires" in a sentence?

"Inquires" is used as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb inquire, meaning to ask or seek information. For example, "The journalist "inquires" about the source's identity".

What can I say instead of "inquires"?

You can use alternatives like "asks", "queries", or "investigates" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "inquires" or "inquiries"?

"Inquires" is the verb form (third-person singular present), while "inquiries" is the noun form (plural of inquiry). For example, "He "inquires" about the matter" versus "The police are conducting "inquiries"".

What's the difference between "inquires" and "enquires"?

"Inquires" and "enquires" both mean to ask or make an inquiry. "Inquires" is the more common spelling, while "enquires" is more prevalent in British English. They are interchangeable but maintain consistency in your writing.