enquire
gb/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ/ us/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
B2
action
1
ask for information
to ask for information
Usage pattern:
enquire (about/as to) [something] | enquire whether/if [clause]
Common mistake:
In American English, inquire is more common than enquire. Also, enquire is usually followed by about/as to/whether, not a direct object (avoid: “enquire the price”).
Synonyms
ask (More general and less formal.)
|
inquire (Standard spelling in American English; also common in formal writing.)
|
request information (More explicit and often used in official contexts.)
Antonyms
answer (Gives information rather than asking for it.)
|
inform (Provides information proactively.)
Collocations
enquire about the price
|enquire about availability
|enquire about a job
|enquire whether
|enquire further
|enquire politely
|enquire by email
|enquire by phone
|enquire at reception
|enquire in advance
Themes
communication
|daily_life
|business
|services
Examples
- I’m calling to enquire about rooms for next weekend.
- She enquired whether the documents had arrived.
- If you’d like to join the course, please enquire at the front desk.
Learner examples
- I will enquire about the price.
- Please enquire if there are any tickets left.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
investigate officially
to investigate something officially
Usage pattern:
enquire into [something]
Common mistake:
This sense is most often used with into (e.g., “enquire into allegations”).
Synonyms
investigate (Most common equivalent; less formal than enquire in some contexts.)
|
look into (More informal and conversational.)
|
examine (Focuses on careful checking rather than wrongdoing.)
Antonyms
ignore (Chooses not to investigate.)
|
overlook (Fails to notice or intentionally does not consider.)
Collocations
enquire into allegations
|enquire into a complaint
|enquire into the causes
|enquire into possible links
|enquire into misconduct
|enquire into the incident
|enquire into the matter
|enquire into irregularities
|enquire into a death
|enquire thoroughly
Themes
law
|government
|work
|news
Examples
- The committee was set up to enquire into the causes of the accident.
- Police are enquiring into reports of fraud.
- An independent panel will enquire into the handling of the case.
Learner examples
- The police are enquiring into the theft.
Verb
formal
C1
action
3
ask about someone’s wellbeing
to ask how someone is
Usage pattern:
enquire after [someone]
Common mistake:
This use is less common in everyday speech; many speakers prefer ask after or ask how [someone] is.
Synonyms
ask after (More common and less formal.)
|
check on (Often implies contacting or visiting to make sure the person is okay.)
Antonyms
neglect (Fails to show care or ask about someone.)
Collocations
enquire after someone
|enquire after her health
|enquire after the children
|enquire after his mother
|enquire kindly
|enquire anxiously
Themes
relationships
|health
|communication
Examples
- He wrote to enquire after her health.
- She rang to enquire after the children.
- Neighbours had been enquiring after him since the surgery.
Learner examples
- I called to enquire after your mother.
Grammar
Dictionary form
enquire
IPA
GB/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ/
US/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ/
Syllables & stress
en - quire (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (quire)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: enquire
- 3rd Person Singular: enquires
- Present Participle: enquiring
- Past: enquired
Word family
Forms
enquires
verb
enquiring
verb
enquired
verb
Related words
Advanced or less common
inquisitively
adverb
Expressions
enquire about
1/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ əbˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
formal
ask for details
to ask about something
Examples
- I emailed to enquire about the delivery date.
- Several customers enquired about a refund.
- She enquired about training opportunities.
enquire after
1/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ ˈæftɚ/
phrasal verb
formal
ask how someone is
to ask about someone’s health
Examples
- I’m writing to enquire after your father.
- She stopped by to enquire after him.
- Colleagues called to enquire after her recovery.
enquire as to
1/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ ˈæz tə/
fixed phrase
formal
ask about a specific point
to ask whether something is true (formal)
Examples
- I’m writing to enquire as to whether my application was received.
- She enquired as to how the decision had been made.
- They enquired as to what documents were required.
enquire at
1/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ ˈæt/
fixed phrase
formal
ask at a place
to ask at a place for information
Examples
- Enquire at reception for your room key.
- If you lose something, enquire at the information desk.
- Please enquire at the ticket office about late trains.
enquire into
1/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ ˈɪntu/
phrasal verb
formal
investigate something
to investigate something
Examples
- The regulator is enquiring into the company’s practices.
- A judge was appointed to enquire into the allegations.
- They promised to enquire into the cause of the delay.
enquire of
1/ɪŋkwˈaɪɚ əv/
fixed phrase
formal
ask someone for information
to ask someone (formal)
Examples
- You should enquire of the manager before making changes.
- He enquired of a colleague about the correct procedure.
- She enquired of the receptionist where to wait.