What is the Difference Between Enquire and Inquire?

The words "enquire" and "inquire" both mean to ask for information, investigate, or make an inquiry, but their usage differs slightly between American and British English. Here are the main differences:

• In American English, "inquire" is strongly preferred for all use cases, while "enquire" is rarely used.
• In British English, "enquire" is more common and can be used for both formal and informal queries, while "inquire" is reserved for formal investigations.

Despite these regional preferences, both words can be used interchangeably in most contexts without making a mistake. The traditional distinction between the two words is that "enquire" is used for general senses of 'ask', while "inquire" is reserved for formal investigations. However, in practice, "enquire" and its derivatives apply to informal queries, and "inquire" and its derivatives apply to formal investigations.

In conclusion, while there is no significant difference in the meaning of "enquire" and "inquire," it is essential to be aware of these subtle nuances to ensure proper usage in different contexts and writing styles.

Comparative Table: Enquire vs Inquire

The main difference between "enquire" and "inquire" lies in their usage and connotations in British and American English. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

In British and Australian English, "enquire" is used for asking informal questions or investigating, while "inquire" is reserved for formal investigations. In American English, "inquire" is used for both formal and informal situations, making it the more commonly used word.