Enquiry and Inquiry
The nouns 'enquiry' and 'inquiry' can mean 'question', 'inquest' or
'investigation'. They can be used interchangeably, but in the US, 'inquiry' is
the more widely accepted. The words 'enquiry' and 'inquiry' derive from the verbs
'to enquire' and 'to inquire'. (The guidance on this page relates to the verbs
as well as the nouns.)Not So Simple in the UK
In the UK, a distinction between 'enquiry' and 'inquiry' is developing.
The word 'inquiry' is being used in relation to a formal inquest (i.e., an
investigation); whereas, 'enquiry' is being used to denote 'the act of
questioning'. However, there is still notable leniency on this
distinction. Of note, many in the US will consider 'enquiry' a spelling mistake of
'inquiry'.
Examples (UK convention):
I would like to enquire about the toilet facilities in the hotel. 
(enquire = to ask)
The judge
has suspended the inquiry into the police shooting of the escaped mental
patient.
(inquiry = inquest or investigation)
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Easily Confused Words
