“Inquiry” vs. “Enquiry”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “inquiry” and “enquiry”

  • Inquiry and enquiry are identical in meaning, but enquiry is more commonly used in British English.
  • In American English, inquiry is the preferred spelling.
  • Both words have the same definition and can be used interchangeably.
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What is the definition of “inquiry” and “enquiry”?

Inquiry
  • Inquiry refers to the act of asking questions or seeking information.
  • It can also refer to a formal investigation or examination into a particular matter or issue.
  • Inquiry can be used in a wide range of contexts, from scientific research to customer service.
Enquiry
  • Enquiry is an alternative spelling of inquiry, meaning the same thing.
  • In some regions, particularly British English, enquiry is used more commonly than inquiry.
  • The spelling of this word does not affect its meaning or usage.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Inquiry” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Inquiry
542,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The police conducted an inquiry into the car accident.
  2. The professor received an inquiry from a student about the exam format.
  3. The company launched an inquiry into the allegation of sexual harassment.
Enquiry
243,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The buyer sent an enquiry to the seller about the specifications of the product.
  2. The traveler made an enquiry at the hotel reception about the shuttle service.
  3. The journalist conducted an enquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic.
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