Meaning 1
To ask for information.
Reach for it when describing a courteous effort to learn a specific fact
Visitors may inquire about step-free routes at the front desk.
Meaning 2
To examine a matter in order to discover facts.
Reach for it when naming a deliberate investigation rather than one question
The panel will inquire into why the warning was not forwarded.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | ||
| professional |
| |
| formal |
|
everyday
ask
Fits when plain speech needs a direct question
Careful Ask is broad and can request action rather than information.
professional
question
Fits when several targeted questions test an account
Careful Question can sound skeptical or accusatory when the inquiry is neutral.
formal
request information
Fits when an official process needs explicit wording
Careful The phrase is procedural and loses the personal courtesy of inquire.
everyday
look into
Fits when an informal promise to investigate suits the exchange
Careful Look into can sound noncommittal and gives no scope or method.
professional
investigate
Fits when facts must be systematically gathered and tested
Careful Investigate is stronger and may imply suspected wrongdoing.
formal
examine
Fits when evidence or a subject receives close attention
Careful Examine may stop at analysis without seeking new facts.
inquire about
Please inquire about captioning when you reserve the hall.
inquire further
The editor chose to inquire further before repeating the claim.
inquire into
A separate committee will inquire into the procurement delay.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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