Use 'inquire' when you want to sound professional and precise while requesting information.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- Used to formally ask for information.
- Commonly followed by the preposition 'about'.
- Preferred in professional or academic writing.
Overview
'Inquire' is a formal verb used to express the act of asking for information. It implies a sense of purpose or investigation rather than a casual question. While 'ask' is used universally, 'inquire' carries a weight of professionalism and is often associated with official requests.
Usage Patterns
The word is frequently followed by 'about' when referring to a specific topic (e.g., 'inquire about the price'). It can also be followed by a 'wh-' clause (who, what, where, when, why) to specify the information needed. Grammatically, it functions as a transitive or intransitive verb, though it is most commonly used with a prepositional phrase.
Common Contexts
You will encounter 'inquire' in business emails, customer service interactions, and formal reporting. For example, a prospective student might 'inquire' about admission requirements, or a business client might 'inquire' about the status of an order. It is rarely used in casual conversation between friends; in those cases, 'ask' is preferred.
Similar Words Comparison
'Ask' is the neutral, everyday term for requesting information. 'Query' is more technical and often implies a database or a specific doubt. 'Investigate' suggests a deeper, more systematic search for the truth, whereas 'inquire' is simply the act of asking for the sake of gathering information.
مثالها
I am calling to inquire about the vacancy.
everydayI am calling to ask about the job opening.
The committee will inquire into the matter thoroughly.
formalThe group will investigate the issue deeply.
May I inquire where you bought that jacket?
informalCan I ask where you purchased that jacket?
Researchers inquired into the effects of the drug.
academicScientists studied the effects of the medication.
ترکیبهای رایج
عبارات رایج
I am writing to inquire...
Standard opening for a formal inquiry email.
make an inquiry
The act of asking a formal question.
اغلب اشتباه گرفته میشود با
Ask is the neutral, general-purpose verb for requesting information. Inquire is a more formal alternative used in business or academic settings.
Request implies asking for an action or an object to be given to you. Inquire implies asking for information or knowledge.
الگوهای دستوری
How to Use It
نکات کاربردی
Inquire is primarily used in formal registers. It is the preferred choice in professional correspondence, legal documents, and academic writing. Using it in casual settings may sound overly formal or even sarcastic.
اشتباهات رایج
A common mistake is using 'inquire' without a preposition, such as 'inquire me the time,' which is incorrect. Always use 'inquire about' or 'inquire of' (though 'of' is rare). Additionally, learners often confuse the spelling of 'inquiry' with 'enquiry'.
Tips
Use for professional email correspondence
Incorporate 'inquire' into business emails to sound more polished. For instance, 'I am writing to inquire about the project deadline' is excellent for professional communication.
Avoid overusing in casual speech
Using 'inquire' during a casual chat can create distance. Stick to 'ask' when speaking with family or close friends.
Regional spelling differences exist
Be aware that British English speakers frequently use 'enquire' for general questions. If you are writing for an international audience, 'inquire' is universally understood.
ریشه کلمه
Derived from the Latin 'inquirere,' meaning 'to seek after' or 'to search for.' It combines 'in-' (into) and 'quaerere' (to ask or seek).
بافت فرهنگی
In many English-speaking professional cultures, using 'inquire' demonstrates respect for the recipient's time and position. It shows that the speaker is making a deliberate, polite effort to obtain information.
راهنمای حفظ
Think of an 'In-query' as being 'in' the middle of a 'query' or search for information. It helps to remember that you are 'going into' the details.
سوالات متداول
4 سوالThey are variants of the same word. 'Inquire' is standard in American English, while 'enquire' is more common in British English, though 'inquire' is often used for formal investigations in both.
It is generally too formal for casual conversation. Using it with friends might make you sound stiff or overly serious.
Not necessarily. You can say 'I would like to inquire,' but it is usually followed by a prepositional phrase like 'about the meeting' to provide necessary context.
The noun form is 'inquiry' (or 'enquiry'). It refers to an official investigation or a formal request for information.
خودت رو بسنج
The manager decided to ___ about the delay in the shipment.
Inquire is the only option that fits the formal context of requesting information about a delay.
امتیاز: /1
Summary
Use 'inquire' when you want to sound professional and precise while requesting information.
- Used to formally ask for information.
- Commonly followed by the preposition 'about'.
- Preferred in professional or academic writing.
Use for professional email correspondence
Incorporate 'inquire' into business emails to sound more polished. For instance, 'I am writing to inquire about the project deadline' is excellent for professional communication.
Avoid overusing in casual speech
Using 'inquire' during a casual chat can create distance. Stick to 'ask' when speaking with family or close friends.
Regional spelling differences exist
Be aware that British English speakers frequently use 'enquire' for general questions. If you are writing for an international audience, 'inquire' is universally understood.
مثالها
4 از 4I am calling to inquire about the vacancy.
I am calling to ask about the job opening.
The committee will inquire into the matter thoroughly.
The group will investigate the issue deeply.
May I inquire where you bought that jacket?
Can I ask where you purchased that jacket?
Researchers inquired into the effects of the drug.
Scientists studied the effects of the medication.
Related Content
این کلمه در زبانهای دیگر
عبارات مرتبط
واژگان مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر communication
advice
A2پیشنهاد یا راهنمایی که کسی بهت میده تا توی تصمیمگیری یا انجام کاری بهت کمک کنه.
advise
A2به کسی پیشنهاد یا توصیهای برای انجام کاری دادن.
aloud
A2یعنی با صدایی حرف بزنی که بقیه بتونن خوب بشنون.
break the ice
B1To do or say something that makes people feel more relaxed and comfortable in a social setting, especially when meeting for the first time. It is used to relieve tension or awkwardness in a group.
communication
B1رد و بدل کردن اطلاعات، ایدهها یا احساسات بین آدمها.
complain
A2وقتی از چیزی ناراحتی و میخواهی به بقیه بگویی که از آن موضوع خوشت نمیآید.
congratulate
A2یعنی به خاطر موفقیت یا اتفاق خوبی که برای کسی افتاده، بهش تبریک بگی.
conversation
A2مکالمه یعنی گپ زدن بین دو نفر یا بیشتر.
converse
B2با کسی حرف زدن و گپ و گفت کردن.
disagree
B1مخالف بودن یعنی نظرت با بقیه فرق داشته باشه.
