to inquire about

USAGE SUMMARY

"to inquire about" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could write: "I stopped by the store to inquire about their return policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

asterisk (v ., to inquire about danger.

The New York Times - Magazine

Baballah had come to inquire about compensation for his imprisonment.

The New Yorker

Sure enough, the bicyclist stopped to inquire about the neighborhood.

The New York Times

I rang back three weeks later to inquire about it.

The Guardian - Money

Naturally I felt obliged to inquire about the eponymous doctor.

The New Yorker

3 It is extremely vulgar to inquire about the price.

The Guardian - Money

Soares said his coach ran across the grounds to inquire about Makarova's willingness to team up.

The New York Times - Sports

It is pertinent to inquire about the behaviour of N(k) for large k.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Milton visits the Catholic Father Mulhall, to inquire about St. Rosa.

The New Yorker

"A securities investor has no inherent duty to inquire about his stockbroker," Rakoff wrote.

The New York Times - Sports

Government statisticians are hoping to inquire about sexual orientation in the next census in 2011.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to inquire about", consider the level of formality required. For less formal settings, "to ask about" might be more appropriate. In professional contexts, "to inquire about" adds a touch of sophistication and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "to inquire about" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to ask about" to maintain a natural flow and avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to inquire about" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to introduce a question or request for information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and readily usable in various written contexts. Examples show it commonly precedes the subject of the inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

25%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to inquire about" is a versatile and commonly used expression for seeking information, with a neutral to slightly formal tone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, showcasing its presence across diverse fields such as news, science, and general knowledge. While simple alternatives like "to ask about" exist, "to inquire about" is best suited for situations where a touch of professionalism or formality is desired. When choosing the most appropriate alternative, consider the context and audience to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ask about

Simple substitution with a more direct and common synonym.

to find out about

Focuses on obtaining information that was previously unknown.

to seek information on

Highlights the act of actively searching for data or details.

to look into

Implies a brief investigation or examination.

to learn about

Emphasizes gaining knowledge or understanding of a topic.

to investigate

Focuses more on a detailed examination rather than a simple question.

to ask questions concerning

More formal way to inquire focusing on specific questions.

to make inquiries regarding

More formal and emphasizes the act of making official inquiries.

to check on

Suggests a brief or casual investigation to ensure something is correct or satisfactory.

to probe into

Implies a deeper, more thorough and often sensitive investigation.

FAQs

How to use "to inquire about" in a sentence?

You can use "to inquire about" to introduce a question or a request for information, as in, "I called the company "to inquire about" their new services".

What can I say instead of "to inquire about"?

You can use alternatives like "to ask about", "to find out about", or "to learn about" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to inquire about" or "to enquire about"?

"To inquire about" and "to enquire about" are both correct, but "inquire" is more common in American English, while "enquire" is more common in British English. The meaning is the same.

What's the difference between "to inquire about" and "to investigate"?

"To inquire about" generally means to ask for information. "To investigate", on the other hand, implies a more thorough and systematic examination of something. The context dictates the best choice.