How Do You Spell ENQUIRE?

Pronunciation: [ɛnkwˈa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "enquire" has often been a source of confusion for English language learners. The word is pronounced /ɪnˈkwaɪər/ which is why it is often incorrectly spelled as "inquire". The pronunciation of the word points towards the use of the letter "e" instead of "i" in the first syllable. In British English, it is more common to use "enquire" while "inquire" is more common in American English. However, both spellings are considered correct in Standard English.

ENQUIRE Meaning and Definition

  1. Enquire is a verb that refers to the act of seeking information or asking questions about something. It is synonymous with the verb "inquire" and is commonly used in British English, with the American English equivalent being "inquire." Enquire typically involves seeking information in a formal or official context, often through direct questioning or investigation.

    When someone enquires about something, they are showing a desire to gather information, learn more, or obtain clarification on a particular subject matter. This term is commonly used in various settings, such as in customer service interactions, interviews, research projects, or even casual conversations.

    The act of enquiring may involve forms of communication like asking questions verbally, making inquiries via email or phone, or filling out a written form to request specific details. Enquiring suggests an active involvement in seeking knowledge or understanding, demonstrating an individual's engagement and curiosity in a particular topic or matter.

    Overall, enquire is a versatile verb that implies the act of seeking information or clarification through questioning or investigation, suggesting an active pursuit of knowledge or understanding. It is widely used in various contexts and is an essential aspect of effective communication and information gathering.

  2. See Inquire.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ENQUIRE

  • wnquire
  • snquire
  • dnquire
  • rnquire
  • 4nquire
  • 3nquire
  • ebquire
  • emquire
  • ejquire
  • ehquire
  • en1uire
  • en2uire
  • enwuire
  • enauire
  • enqyire
  • enqhire
  • enqjire
  • enqiire
  • enq8ire

Etymology of ENQUIRE

The word "enquire" is derived from the Old French word "enquerre" which means "ask, inquire". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "inquirere" which has the same meaning. "Inquirere" is a compound of "in-" meaning "in, into" and "quærere" meaning "to seek, ask". The spelling of "enquire" diverged from "inquire" around the 16th century to create a distinction between asking a question and conducting a formal inquiry. However, in modern usage, both "inquire" and "enquire" are often used interchangeably.

Similar spelling words for ENQUIRE

Conjugate verb Enquire

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have enquired
you would have enquired
he/she/it would have enquired
we would have enquired
they would have enquired
I would have enquire
you would have enquire
he/she/it would have enquire
we would have enquire
they would have enquire

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been enquiring
you would have been enquiring
he/she/it would have been enquiring
we would have been enquiring
they would have been enquiring

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would enquire
you would enquire
he/she/it would enquire
we would enquire
they would enquire

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be enquiring
you would be enquiring
he/she/it would be enquiring
we would be enquiring
they would be enquiring

FUTURE

I will enquire
you will enquire
he/she/it will enquire
we will enquire
they will enquire

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be enquiring
you will be enquiring
he/she/it will be enquiring
we will be enquiring
they will be enquiring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have enquired
you will have enquired
he/she/it will have enquired
we will have enquired
they will have enquired

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been enquiring
you will have been enquiring
he/she/it will have been enquiring
we will have been enquiring
they will have been enquiring

IMPERATIVE

you enquire
we let´s enquire

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to enquire

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was enquiring
you were enquiring
he/she/it was enquiring
we were enquiring
they were enquiring

PAST PARTICIPLE

enquired

PAST PERFECT

I had enquired
you had enquired
he/she/it had enquired
we had enquired
they had enquired

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been enquiring
you had been enquiring
he/she/it had been enquiring
we had been enquiring
they had been enquiring

PRESENT

I enquire
you enquire
he/she/it enquires
we enquire
they enquire

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am enquiring
you are enquiring
he/she/it is enquiring
we are enquiring
they are enquiring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

enquiring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have enquired
you have enquired
he/she/it has enquired
we have enquired
they have enquired

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been enquiring
you have been enquiring
he/she/it has been enquiring
we have been enquiring
they have been enquiring

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it enquire

SIMPLE PAST

I enquired
you enquired
he/she/it enquired
we enquired
they enquired

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