You are writing an email. You stop. Should you write Inquire or Enquire?
Many people search for “Inquire Or Enquire” because they are not sure which spelling is correct. Both words look similar.
Both sound the same. But the spelling changes depending on where you live and who you write for.
This small difference can feel confusing. Is one wrong? Is one more formal? Do schools teach different rules in the US and UK? These are common questions.
The good news is simple: both spellings are correct. The difference depends on British English and American English. Once you know the rule, it becomes easy.
In this guide, you will get a quick answer first. Then you will learn the history, spelling rules, common mistakes, and real-life examples. You will also see usage data and a comparison table.
Let’s clear up the confusion about Inquire Or Enquire once and for all.
Inquire Or Enquire – Quick Answer →
Inquire and Enquire mean the same thing. They both mean “to ask for information.”
The difference is spelling style:
- Inquire is used in American English.
- Enquire is used in British English.
Both are correct. Just match your audience.
Examples:
- I will Inquire about the job tomorrow.
- She decided to Enquire about the train schedule.
The Origin of Inquire Or Enquire →
Both words come from Latin. The root word is inquirere, which means “to seek” or “to search.”
Later, the word moved into Old French as enquerre. From French, it entered English.
In early English, both spellings existed. Writers used them freely. Over time, spelling rules changed.
In American English, spelling became more direct and simple. So Inquire became standard.
In British English, many French-style spellings stayed. So Enquire remained common.
That is why both forms exist today.
British English vs American English Spelling →
In general:
- American English prefers words starting with “in-”
- British English often keeps “en-”
Here is a simple comparison:
| American English | British English |
| Inquire | Enquire |
| Inquiry | Enquiry |
| Inquired | Enquired |
| Inquiring | Enquiring |
Key Rule:
- Writing for the US? Use Inquire.
- Writing for the UK or Commonwealth? Use Enquire.
Both mean the same thing.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choose based on your audience.
🇺🇸 United States
Use Inquire. It looks correct to American readers.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom & Commonwealth
Use Enquire. It fits British spelling rules.
🌍 Global or International Writing
You can choose either. But stay consistent. Do not mix both spellings in one article or email.
If you run a website, follow your target country’s spelling style.
Common Mistakes with Inquire Or Enquire
Here are common errors:
1. Mixing spellings
❌ I will enquire and then inquire again.
✔ I will inquire and then inquire again. (US style)
2. Using wrong noun form
❌ I sent an enquiry in the US company website.
✔ I sent an inquiry on the US company website.
3. Thinking one is wrong
Both are correct. The difference is location, not meaning.
Inquire Or Enquire in Everyday Examples
- I am writing to Inquire about your services. (US)
- I am writing to Enquire about your services. (UK)
News
- Police are Inquiring into the case. (US media)
- Officials are Enquiring about the issue. (UK media)
Social Media
- Just wanted to Inquire about ticket prices!
- Can anyone Enquire about today’s event?
Formal Writing
- The committee will Inquire into the complaint.
- The board will Enquire into the matter.
Inquire Or Enquire – Google Trends & Usage Data →
Search data shows:
- Inquire is more popular in the United States.
- Enquire is more searched in the United Kingdom.
- Australia and New Zealand often use Enquire.
- Canada may use both.
In business writing, Inquire appears more in global companies, especially those based in the US.
So usage depends on country and audience.
Comparison Table – Inquire Or Enquire
| Feature | Inquire | Enquire |
| Meaning | Ask for information | Ask for information |
| Used In | American English | British English |
| Pronunciation | Same | Same |
| Formality | Formal/Neutral | Formal/Neutral |
| Correct? | Yes | Yes |
FAQs About Inquire Or Enquire
1. Is Inquire or Enquire more correct?
Both are correct. It depends on US or UK spelling.
2. Is Inquire American?
Yes. Inquire is standard in American English.
3. Is Enquire British?
Yes. Enquire is common in British English.
4. Do they mean different things?
No. They mean the same thing.
5. What about Inquiry and Enquiry?
Same rule. Inquiry is American. Enquiry is British.
6. Can I use both in one article?
No. Choose one spelling style and stay consistent.
7. Which spelling is better for SEO?
Use the spelling your audience searches most in their country.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to Inquire Or Enquire.
Both words mean “to ask for information.” The difference is not meaning. The difference is spelling style.
If you write for the United States, use Inquire and Inquiry. If you write for the United Kingdom or other British-English countries, use Enquire and Enquiry.
The key rule is simple: match your audience. Stay consistent. Do not mix spellings in the same text.
For global websites, choose one style and follow it everywhere. This keeps your content clean and professional.
Small spelling choices build trust. Readers notice details. When you use the correct regional spelling, your writing feels natural and correct.
So next time you stop and wonder which to choose, remember: both are right. Just choose the one that fits your reader.
I’m Jim Butcher, and this is my site, Grammlyx.com, where I share my work as an author. I am an expert in my craft, dedicated to delivering the best content.
