US and UK English
enquire vs inquire
Regional usage, spelling, and examples
Inquire is standard in every major variety and is strongly preferred in American English. British English also commonly uses enquire for ordinary questions.
Regional decision guide
Choose by audience and level of formality
The spelling distinction is a style preference, not a reliable sound or meaning boundary.
United States
inquire / inquiry
American English
Use inquire for both ordinary questions and formal investigations.
Please inquire at the front desk.
United Kingdom
enquire or inquire
British everyday usage
Enquire is common for asking a question; inquire is also standard and often used in formal contexts.
I called to enquire about opening times.
Formal and official contexts
inquire / inquiry
Investigation convention
Inquire and inquiry are conventional for an organized investigation.
The committee will inquire into the incident.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Both verbs mean ask for information, and their meanings overlap. American writers normally use inquire in every context. British writers may use enquire for an everyday request and reserve inquire for a formal investigation, although many British publications use inquire throughout. Inquiry remains especially common for an official investigation.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
enquire
verb, chiefly British spelling
To ask for information; a chiefly British spelling of inquire.
US pronunciation
/ɪnˈkwaɪr/
UK IPA
/ɪnˈkwaɪə/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Keep the first syllable light, stress KWYRE, and do not pronounce the written E as a separate sound.
Word 2
inquire
verb
To ask for information or conduct an investigation.
US pronunciation
/ɪnˈkwaɪr/
UK IPA
/ɪnˈkwaɪə/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Use the same two syllables as enquire: a light “in,” followed by stressed KWYRE.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
enquire
- She emailed to enquire about the course.
- Please enquire before bringing additional guests.
- He went inside to enquire about the delay.
Examples with
inquire
- Call this number to inquire about availability.
- The board agreed to inquire into the complaint.
- Several customers inquired about the refund policy.