Many English learners wonder whether “inquire” or “enquire” is the correct spelling. Since both words mean to ask for information, it can be confusing to know which one to use.
👉 The simple answer is:
✔️ Both “inquire” and “enquire” are correct.
The difference mainly depends on the type of English being used.
- Inquire is the preferred spelling in American English.
- Enquire is more common in British English.
👉 For example:
- I would like to inquire about the course. 🇺🇸
- She enquired about train times. 🇬🇧
Both words have the same meaning in most situations.
What Does “Inquire” Mean?
Inquire is a verb.
👉 It means:
- To ask for information
- To investigate
- To seek details about something
Examples:
- I called to inquire about the price.
- She inquired about the job opening.
- We inquired whether seats were available.
- He inquired about the application process.
What Does “Enquire” Mean?
Enquire has the same meaning as inquire.
👉 It is simply the spelling more commonly used in British English.
Examples:
- She enquired about the train schedule.
- They enquired whether rooms were available.
- I enquired about the course fees.
- He enquired about the company’s services.
Inquire vs Enquire (Quick Comparison)
| Word | Type of English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Inquire | American English | Ask for information |
| Enquire | British English | Ask for information |
👉 Important:
Both spellings are correct and usually interchangeable.
Sentence Examples
Using “Inquire”
- Please inquire about the delivery date.
- She inquired about the scholarship.
- We inquired about hotel availability.
Using “Enquire”
- Please enquire at the reception desk.
- He enquired about ticket prices.
- They enquired about the event schedule.
Common Mistakes
❌ Only inquire is correct.
✔️ Both inquire and enquire are correct.
❌ Inquire and enquire have completely different meanings.
✔️ In most cases, they mean the same thing.
👉 Remember:
- American English → inquire
- British English → enquire
Practice Time
Fill in the blanks:
- I called to ______ about the price.
- She ______ about the course details.
- We need to ______ whether tickets are available.
- He ______ about the hotel’s facilities.
- Please ______ at the front desk.
Answers:
- inquire / enquire
- inquired / enquired
- inquire / enquire
- inquired / enquired
- inquire / enquire
Easy Memory Trick
👉 Think like this:
- 🇺🇸 America usually prefers inquire.
- 🇬🇧 Britain often prefers enquire.
Both mean to ask for information.
Final Thought
Both inquire and enquire are correct spellings of a verb meaning to ask for information or investigate something. The main difference is regional preference, with inquire being more common in American English and enquire being more common in British English. Understanding these spelling variations can help you write naturally for different audiences while improving your overall English skills.
