inquiry

inquiry — noun

1. a question or series of questions aimed at getting information about a particula

1.nounB1
Definition

a question or series of questions aimed at getting information about a particular person, event, or subject

Example

Joon called the travel agency to make an inquiry about flights to Seoul.

make an inquiry about [topic] — asking for information

The librarian said she would forward my inquiry to the archivist.

Common collocations
  • make an inquiry
  • send an inquiry
  • receive an inquiry
  • answer an inquiry
  • inquiry about
  • inquiry regarding
  • inquiry into
  • written inquiry
  • phone inquiry
  • email inquiry
Synonyms
  • question

    the most general term; a single utterance seeking an answer, less formal than 'inquiry'

  • query

    often used in computing or data contexts; a precise, formal request for specific information

  • request

    focuses on the act of asking rather than the question itself; broader meaning

Antonyms
  • answer

    the response given to an inquiry

  • reply

    what is said or written in response to a question

Grammar Patterns

make an inquiry

inquiry about [topic]

inquiry into [subject]

inquiry regarding [matter]

Usage Note

Frequently paired with prepositions: 'inquiry about' is used for general topics, while 'inquiry into' suggests a more serious or detailed search for facts. The British spelling 'enquiry' is commonly used for this general sense, while 'inquiry' is standard in American English for all meanings.

Common Mistakes

I have a inquiry about the price.
I have an inquiry about the price.
'inquiry' starts with a vowel sound, so it takes 'an', not 'a'.

2. a formal process, usually led by an appointed group or authority, to establish t

2.nounB2
Definition

a formal process, usually led by an appointed group or authority, to establish the cause of a serious accident, problem, or public concern

Example

The government launched a public inquiry into the cause of the bridge collapse.

launch a public inquiry into [event] — starting an official investigation

Baraka was called to give evidence before the inquiry committee.

Common collocations
  • public inquiry
  • independent inquiry
  • government inquiry
  • judicial inquiry
  • launch an inquiry
  • hold an inquiry
  • set up an inquiry
  • call for an inquiry
  • demand an inquiry
  • inquiry into
  • inquiry finds
  • inquiry concludes
  • inquiry recommends
  • inquiry report
  • give evidence at an inquiry
Synonyms
  • investigation

    broader term covering both formal and informal fact-finding; 'investigation' is preferred for criminal matters

  • probe

    more informal journalistic term for a detailed examination; implies a searching inquiry

  • hearing

    a specific session within an inquiry where evidence is presented orally

Grammar Patterns

launch an inquiry into [event]

hold an inquiry into [subject]

a public inquiry

an independent inquiry

an inquiry finds/concludes/recommends

Usage Note

Commonly used with verbs that indicate initiation: 'launch', 'open', 'set up', 'hold'. The subject is usually a government body, institution, or other authority with the power to compel testimony. Distinguish from sense 1 (OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION) which is a formal, structured process, whereas sense 1 (ASK FOR INFORMATION) covers casual or routine questions.

Common Mistakes

The police are doing an inquiry into the robbery.
The police are conducting an investigation into the robbery.
For police/criminal matters, 'investigation' is more natural than 'inquiry', which is used for official fact-finding by a committee or authority.

Word family

  • inquire
    verbB1
  • inquirer
    nounB2
  • inquiring
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words involve asking for information, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Question' is the broadest and most neutral term — you ask a question any time you want an answer, from casual chat to a classroom setting. 'Query' is more specific: it usually refers to a formal, precise ask for particular data or clarification, common in computing, databases, and business correspondence. 'Inquiry' (or 'enquiry' in British English for this general sense) suggests a more sustained effort to find out information, often involving multiple questions or a process of asking. 'Request' focuses on the act of asking itself rather than the content; you can make a request for information, for action, or for an item. For example, a student's 'question' about a homework problem is quick and specific; an email of 'inquiry' to the admissions office asks for several details about the application process; a database 'query' searches records for matching data; and a 'request' for a brochure simply asks that the document be sent.

question ↗query ↗enquiry ↗request ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • make an inquiry
  • conduct an inquiry
  • hold an inquiry
  • launch an inquiry
  • an inquiry into
  • an inquiry about
  • inquiry regarding
  • inquiry concerning

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'inquiry' comes from the Latin verb 'inquirere', which is a combination of 'in-' (into) and 'quaerere' (to seek or ask). It entered English through Old French 'enquerre'. The spelling with 'in-' (rather than 'en-') was influenced by the Latin original. The word originally referred to the act of seeking truth or facts through questioning, and over time developed the more formal sense of an official investigation.