Inquiry vs. Enquiry
“Inquiry” and “enquiry” overlap in meaning. Cambridge lists “enquiry” as a UK form of “inquiry,” so the useful distinction is regional/style preference rather than a universal right-versus-wrong rule.
“Inquiry” is widely used; “enquiry” is also a documented UK form. Follow the regional or house style required for the document.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| general/international or US-oriented spelling | inquiry | Use “inquiry” where the house or regional style prefers it. |
| documented UK variant | enquiry | Use “enquiry” where UK style or an organization’s convention prefers it. |
| official title or fixed institutional name | preserve official spelling | Do not normalize an official name to another regional form. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the document following a specific regional or house spelling convention?
If yes: Use the spelling required by that convention and keep it consistent.
If no: If no convention is set, choose a standard form appropriate to the audience; preserve official names exactly.
Caveat: Both spellings are documented; this is primarily a regional/house-style choice rather than a universal correctness split.
Examples
Please send your inquiry to the support desk.
“Inquiry” is widely used and standard.
The office received an enquiry about local permits.
“Enquiry” is a documented UK form.
The Public Inquiry Unit issued the notice.
An official name should keep its established spelling.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Inquiry” is widely used and Cambridge also records “enquiry” as a UK form.
Fast Test
Use the spelling required by your regional or house style; do not label the documented UK form “enquiry” as an error.
Variant Boundary
The cited dictionary does not support a rigid rule that UK English must always use “enquiry” and US English must always use “inquiry.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- INQUIRY — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Inquiry headword and note that enquiry is also used in UK English
- ENQUIRY — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · UK enquiry entry cross-referenced to inquiry