Inquire-Enquire | Commonly Confused Words

Inquire

/ɪnˈkwaɪə/

To ask for information

The detective will inquire further into the case.Parents often inquire about the school's curriculum.He decided to inquire about the strange noises.

/ɪnˈkwaɪə/

To ask for information about something

I enquired, looking round the room at everyone.'What can I do for you?' he enquired coldly."What old lady?" enquired the King.

Enquire typically starts with E, like English, which can help you remember it is more common in British English.
Inquire starts with I and is frequently used in American contexts, so think of I for I in Indiana, a state in the US.
Use inquire if youre thinking of investigation as they both start with I'.
When dealing with formal investigations or research, inquire is usually more suitable.
For everyday questions or casual requests, enquire is often the choice in UK English.