Getting to know the difference between inquiry and enquiry is important. As these words connote almost similar meanings, people use them almost interchangeably. Yet there are subtle differences in the meanings, mostly relating to the context in which the words are being used. Inquiry and Enquiry are two such words which are used by Americans as being identical and they use any one of the either depending upon their liking. However, there is a lot of difference between Inquiry and Enquiry and those who grapple with the usage of these words will have correct knowledge after reading this blog.

Enquiry and Inquiry are nouns. They mean question, inquest, or investigation and can be used interchangeably.

However there is always the difficulty of recognising British vs American spelling with words like these. The two terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between the two.

British English Usage

In the UK, inquiry is used to denote an investigation, enquiry is used to denote a question. However, there is still considerable leniency on this distinction.

• They’ve passed the inquiry over to the police.
• We all desire your early reply to this enquiry.
• We thank you for your enquiry.
• The inquiry was formally initiated last month.
• You are requested to complete an inquiry form.

American English Usage

In the US, inquiry is more widely used than enquiry. Many will consider enquiry to be a spelling mistake of inquiry.

• The inquiry was critical of her work.
• This is a purely personal inquiry.
• The inquiry was conducted under a blanket of secrecy.
• He’s now the subject of an official inquiry.
• This subject is outside the scope of our inquiry.

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