Inquiry-Enquiry | Commonly Confused Words
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Inquiry vs. Enquiry

Inquiry

/ɪnˈkwaɪəri/
A process of asking questions to gather information.

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Enquiry

/ɪnˈkwaɪəri/
A request for information or an investigation into a matter

Examples:

'So there will be no more enquiries,' said Margaret.The board launched an enquiry into the financial discrepancies.Please direct your enquiry to our customer service desk.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Inquiry is more commonly used in American English, while enquiry is often used in British English.
  • Both words share the same pronunciation, which can lead to confusion, but their usage depends on the region.
  • If youre writing for an American audience, inquiry' is generally preferred.
  • For formal or official contexts, inquiry is often chosen over enquiry regardless of regional preferences.
  • When dealing with general questions or requests for information, both can be used interchangeably depending on the audience and context.
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