Enquiry: meaning, definitions and examples

Enquiry is often used in British English to refer to a general asking for information or investigation. It's typically used in less formal contexts or everyday conversations.

• I made an enquiry about the train schedules.
• The customer service can handle your enquiries.

Inquiry is used mainly in American English and implies a more formal investigation or detailed search for information, often by authorities or organizations.

• The police have launched an inquiry into the incident.
• The company is conducting an internal inquiry about the matter.

Question is the most general term to refer to any act of asking for information. It can be used in any context, whether formal or informal.

• I have a question about the project deadline.
• If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Query is used when you need to ask a specific question or a series of questions, often in a professional or technical context. It can also suggest some level of doubt or need for clarification.

• She submitted a query regarding the software update.
• Do you have any queries about today's presentation?

Used in British English to refer to a general act of asking for information or questioning something.

• She made an enquiry about the new policies.

Indicates a systematic and detailed process of uncovering facts or information, often conducted by authorities such as the police. It can carry a serious or formal tone.

• The police launched an investigation into the robbery.

Used to describe detailed inspection or study, often in academic or medical contexts.

• The doctor conducted a thorough examination of the patient.

Refers specifically to a formal investigation, often into the cause of someone's death, usually led by a legal authority. It has a serious tone.

• The coroner held an inquest to determine the cause of death.

Primarily used in British English to denote a formal request for information or an investigation.

• The company launched an enquiry into the accounting irregularities.
• I made an enquiry about the train schedule.

Used when one seeks clarification or additional information, often in a professional or technical context. It usually implies that the person asking has some understanding of the subject.

• The developer raised a query about the new software update.
• Please let me know if you have any queries regarding the report.

A general term used for asking about anything in both formal and informal contexts. It is the most commonly used term and can be applied broadly.

• Do you have any questions about the homework?
• He asked a question during the meeting.

Commonly used in American English for a formal investigation or request for information. It often implies a more thorough or official process compared to 'enquiry'.

• The police conducted an inquiry into the incident.
• She submitted an inquiry regarding the product's warranty.