enquiry
gb/ɪŋkwˈaɪɹi/ us/ɪŋkwˈaɪɹi/
B1
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
request for information
When you ask a question to get information.
Usage pattern:
make an enquiry about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'enquiry' with 'inquiry'; in British English, 'enquiry' is often used for general questions, while 'inquiry' can be more formal or official.
Synonyms
inquiry (More common in American English; 'enquiry' is more common in British English for general questions.)
|
question (Less formal and can refer to a single interrogative sentence, not necessarily a formal request.)
Antonyms
statement (A statement gives information rather than asking for it.)
Collocations
make an enquiry
|respond to an enquiry
|handle enquiries
|customer enquiry
|general enquiry
Themes
communication
|daily life
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I made an enquiry about the train schedule.
- The company received hundreds of enquiries after the ad was published.
- Please direct your enquiries to the front desk.
- We are happy to answer any enquiries you may have.
Learner examples
- I made an enquiry about the bus times.
- She sent an enquiry to the hotel.
- He asked about the price in his enquiry.
- We answered all the enquiries from customers.
Noun
formal
B2
action
2
formal investigation
A formal process where people look at facts to find out the truth about something.
Usage pattern:
launch an enquiry into [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this meaning with a simple question. In this sense, it refers to a formal, often legal process.
Synonyms
investigation (Broader term; can be less formal or done by individuals, not necessarily official bodies.)
|
probe (Informal or journalistic term for an investigation, often into wrongdoing.)
Antonyms
cover-up (An attempt to hide facts instead of investigating them.)
Collocations
public enquiry
|judicial enquiry
|hold an enquiry
|launch an enquiry
|enquiry report
Themes
law
|government
|media
|politics
Examples
- The government has ordered a public enquiry into the disaster.
- A judicial enquiry was held to determine the cause of the accident.
- The findings of the enquiry will be made public next week.
Learner examples
- The police started an enquiry into the crime.
- There was an enquiry about the fire.
- The enquiry looked at all the facts.
- The enquiry found out what happened.
Grammar
Dictionary form
enquiry
IPA
GB/ɪŋkwˈaɪɹi/
US/ɪŋkwˈaɪɹi/
Syllables & stress
en - quiry (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (quiry)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: enquiry
- Plural: enquiries, enquiry
Word family
Forms
enquiries
noun
Related words
enquirer
noun
inquirer
noun
inquiring
adjective
Advanced or less common
inquisitive
adjective B2
Expressions
make an enquiry
1/mˈeɪk ən ɪŋkwˈaɪɹi/
fixed phrase
formally ask for information
To ask for information in a polite or official way.
Examples
- I want to make an enquiry about your opening hours.
- She made an enquiry regarding job vacancies.
public enquiry
2/pˈʌblɪk ɪŋkwˈaɪɹi/
fixed phrase
formal
official public investigation
A formal investigation that is open for people to see and know about.
Examples
- The government announced a public enquiry into the oil spill.
- A public enquiry was held after the incident.
respond to an enquiry
3/ɹɪspˈɑnd tə ən ɪŋkwˈaɪɹi/
fixed phrase
reply to request for information
To give an answer after someone asks for information.
Examples
- Our team will respond to your enquiry within two days.
- He responded to my enquiry with detailed instructions.