# enquire

/ɪnˈkwaɪɝ/ (US) · /ɛnkwˈaɪə/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enquire
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

to ask for information about something. It is a more formal way to say 'ask'.

For teachers: to seek information by questioning; to make an inquiry. Often used in formal or professional correspondence to initiate a request for details.

## Examples

- I called the hotel to enquire about the room rates.
- The customer wrote to the company to enquire whether the product was still under warranty.
- Prospective students are encouraged to enquire about the specific entry requirements for the doctoral program before submitting their final applications to the admissions office.

## Pitfalls

- Not "enquire about the price?" but "May I enquire about the price?" — Enquire is highly formal; using it in casual conversation or without a polite modal verb can sound unnaturally stiff.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive when followed by a prepositional phrase, typically taking 'about' or 'after'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.