to inquire about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to 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

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

asterisk (v ., to inquire about danger.

The New York Times - Magazine

To inquire about booking events, contact Kimberly Nelson.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Contact us to inquire about your experiments!

Columbia University

Baballah had come to inquire about compensation for his imprisonment.

The New Yorker

After I called to inquire about it, D.A.R.E.

The Washington Post

Expect plenty of other teams to inquire about Butler.

The Washington Post

But he promised to inquire about the alleged missing juror.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to inquire about something" in formal writing, ensure the context aligns with the level of formality. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives like "to ask about something".

Common error

Avoid using "to inquire about something" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "to ask about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to inquire about something" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically introduces a question or a request for information. It is used to politely and formally ask for details or clarification on a specific topic. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

33%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to inquire about something" is a grammatically sound and usable infinitive phrase, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly used in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic contexts, it serves the purpose of formally seeking information. While "to inquire about something" is appropriate for professional communication, simpler alternatives like "to ask about something" may be preferable in informal settings. Overall, understanding the appropriate context for this phrase is crucial for effective and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ask about something

Uses a more common synonym for "inquire", making it slightly less formal.

to ask a question about something

More explicit by specifying the act of asking a question.

to seek information regarding something

Focuses on the information-gathering aspect with more formal vocabulary.

to make an inquiry concerning something

Replaces "about" with "concerning" and uses the noun form of inquire to make it more formal.

to investigate something

Emphasizes a more thorough and systematic examination.

to probe into something

Implies a deeper, more investigative approach.

to look into something

Suggests a casual and preliminary examination.

to check something out

A more informal and colloquial way to say to investigate or inquire.

to query something

Uses a direct verb form, "query", which can sound slightly technical.

to make inquiries

Using the phrase in its plural form. Slightly alters the original meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "to inquire about something" to introduce a question or request for information. For example, "I'd like "to inquire about something" regarding my account" or "Feel free "to inquire about something" if you have any doubts".

What's a more formal way to say "to inquire about something"?

A more formal alternative could be "to make an inquiry concerning something" or "to seek information regarding something".

What is the difference between "to ask about something" and "to inquire about something"?

"To ask about something" is generally more informal and direct, while "to inquire about something" suggests a more formal or official request for information. In most cases, "to ask about something" is perfectly acceptable.

When is it appropriate to use "to inquire about something"?

It is appropriate in formal contexts, such as business correspondence, official requests, or academic writing. If you need to be direct and efficient, "to ask about something" is suitable for informal situations.