The difference between enquiry and inquiry (grammar lesson)


enquiry and inquiry - the difference

'Inquiry' and 'enquiry' are interchangeable in the US and the UK. However, in the UK, it is becoming preferable to use 'inquiry' to denote 'an investigation' and 'enquiry' to denote 'a question'.

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)