The question words ‘question’, ‘inquiry’, ‘enquiry’, and ‘query’ often confuse learners because their meanings overlap and their usage isn’t always clear. All four relate to asking for information, yet choosing the right one can feel uncertain, especially when even experts disagree. This guide keeps things simple, giving you clear, practical guidelines so you can use each word confidently and correctly every time.
Confusing Question Word One: ‘Question’
Preposition Example: You ask a question about something. May I ask you a question about something? I have a question about biology.
Noun Example: I asked my teacher a question.
Verb Example: You question somebody to find out information. The police are questioning a suspect.
Confusing Question Word Two: ‘Inquiry’
Preposition Example: an inquiry into something. A legal or governmental investigation into something.
Noun Example: For serious things, there can be a governmental inquiry. For example, an inquiry into the Iraq War.
Verb Example: “Inquire” is not commonly used in British English.
Confusing Question Word Three: ‘Enquiry’
Preposition Example: an enquiry about something is a formal and polite way of asking a question.
Noun Example: There’s a student on the phone who has an enquiry about the course dates.
Verb Example: May I enquire if you’ve got any rooms at the moment?
Confusing Question Word Four: ‘Enquiries‘
This word is the plural of “enquiry”.
Noun Example: If you have any enquiries, send them to customer services.
Word 5 – Query
Preposition Example: I have a query about something.
‘Query’ is another word for question, but is used when expressing a doubt.
Noun Example: I have a query about the data on page six.
⏵ Speak better English by taking one of Jade’s courses
⏵ Book a one-to-one accent training lesson with Jade
Comments are closed.