Use 'inquire' when you want to sound professional and precise while requesting information.
30초 단어
- 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.
예시
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.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
I am writing to inquire...
Standard opening for a formal inquiry email.
make an inquiry
The act of asking a formal question.
자주 혼동되는 단어
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.
문법 패턴
How to Use It
사용 참고사항
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.
자주 하는 실수
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.
어원
Derived from the Latin 'inquirere,' meaning 'to seek after' or 'to search for.' It combines 'in-' (into) and 'quaerere' (to ask or seek).
문화적 맥락
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.
암기 팁
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.
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문They 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.
셀프 테스트
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.
점수: /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.
예시
4 / 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
관련 어휘
communication 관련 단어
advice
A2누군가가 결정을 내리는 데 도움을 주려고 주는 유용한 제안이나 조언이야.
advise
A2누군가에게 무언가를 어떻게 해야 할지에 대한 제안이나 조언을 해주는 것이에요.
aloud
A2다른 사람들이 분명하게 들을 수 있도록 말하는 것을 뜻해요.
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
B1말이나 글, 행동을 통해 서로의 생각이나 정보를 주고받는 것을 말해.
complain
A2어떤 상황이 마음에 들지 않아서 불만을 말하거나 투덜거리는 것을 뜻해.
congratulate
A2누군가 성공했거나 좋은 일이 생겼을 때 축하의 말을 건네는 거야.
conversation
A2대화는 두 명 이상의 사람이 나누는 이야기야.
converse
B2다른 사람과 서로 이야기를 주고받는 것을 말해.
disagree
B1의견이 다르다는 것은 어떤 것에 대해 다른 생각을 가지는 것을 말해요.
