Could anyone explain the difference between inquire and enquire and which word to use in a specific situation. I have had a look at online dictionaries but I still don't quite get it, so could anyone give a simple explanation?
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@deadly oxforddictionaries.com/words/enquire-or-inquire– KrisApr 21, 2015 at 13:32
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@Kris Not sure why you posted that at me.– deadlyApr 21, 2015 at 13:34
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@Kris Your link agrees with my answer except that yours doesn't mention the spelling differences.– AlenannoApr 21, 2015 at 13:39
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Please use the site search before asking. Thank you.– RegDwigнtApr 21, 2015 at 14:14
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1 Answer
It is the same.
From wiktionary :
inquire
Alternative forms
enquire (chiefly British)
enquire is chiefly used by people from Britain while inquire is used by Americans.
As a french, I would say that enquire is more like asking with care (from s'enquérir in french) and inquire is like asking in order to make somebody confess (like inquisition).
The two forms came from the latin word inquirere.
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1I like @Yohann's French approach. I'm British-born and I also like to distinguish, using "enquire" for what you and I might do, keeping "inquire" for what authority might do. Directory Enquiries, therefore, but a Public Inquiry. Apr 21, 2015 at 14:00