Quick answer: Ask is the everyday neutral verb for seeking information or making a request — suitable in all contexts. Inquire is more formal and typically implies investigation or official questioning. Use ask in conversation; use inquire in formal or professional writing. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘ask’.
Understanding Ask
Ask is one of the most common and versatile verbs in English. It means to seek information from someone by posing a question, to make a request, or to invite someone to do something. Ask works in every register — casual conversation, professional emails, and formal writing. You ask a question, ask for help, ask someone to do something, or ask about something. It does not carry any implications about the seriousness or formality of the enquiry. Because it is so flexible, ask is always the safe default choice when you are unsure. In direct speech it is the standard reporting verb: “Where is the station?” she asked.
Can I ask you a quick question about the report?
She asked for more time to complete the assignment.
He asked whether the meeting had been rescheduled.
“What time does the train leave?” I asked.
Understanding Inquire
Inquire (also spelled enquire in British English) means to seek information, especially in a formal or official context. It often implies a more systematic or thorough process of questioning — an inquiry is not just a single question but an investigation. Common collocations include: inquire about (ask for information on a topic), inquire into (investigate something), and inquire after (ask about someone’s health or well-being). The phrase “a public inquiry” refers to an official investigation. In professional emails and formal correspondence, using inquire rather than ask raises the register and signals greater care and precision.
I am writing to inquire about the vacancy advertised on your website.
The committee will inquire into the causes of the accident.
He inquired after her parents’ health during the visit.
May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?
Key Differences at a Glance
| Use case | Ask | Inquire |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday conversation | ✓ Natural | Sounds over-formal |
| Formal / business writing | ✓ Acceptable | ✓ Preferred |
| Official investigation | Less precise | ✓ Natural (inquire into) |
| Asking about someone’s health | ask after | ✓ inquire after |
| Noun form | question / request | inquiry / enquiry |
Common Mistakes
✗ “I’ll inquire Tom if he wants coffee.”
✓ “I’ll ask Tom if he wants coffee.”
✗ I am inquiring for the price of the service.
✓ I am inquiring about the price of the service.
In British English, both are acceptable, but some style guides use enquire for general questions and inquire for official investigations. Check your organisation’s style guide.
Practice: Which Is Correct?
Four questions — choose the best word.
1. “I am writing to ___ about the position of marketing manager.” (formal email)
2. “Can I ___ you something?” (casual)
3. “The government set up a committee to ___ into the data breach.”
4. “She ___ him what time the show started.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ask and inquire?
Ask is the everyday neutral verb for seeking information or making a request. Inquire is more formal and typically implies investigation or official questioning.
Is inquire British or American English?
Both spellings exist: “inquire” is common in American English, while “enquire” is more common in British English for general questions. “Inquiry” / “enquiry” follow the same pattern.
Can ask and inquire be used interchangeably?
In informal contexts, yes. But in formal or legal settings, inquire is preferred to signal official investigation. Ask would sound too casual in those situations.
What is an inquiry?
An inquiry (or enquiry) is an official investigation or a formal request for information: “a public inquiry into the disaster”, “a customer inquiry”. The informal version is simply a question.
What preposition follows inquire?
Inquire is followed by “about” (inquire about availability), “into” (inquire into the matter), or “after” (inquire after someone’s health).
Is “enquire” different from “inquire”?
In British English, some writers use “enquire” for informal questions and “inquire” for formal investigations. In practice, many use them interchangeably, especially in American English.
Can ask be used in formal writing?
Yes, ask is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. However, inquire signals greater formality and precision, which may be preferred in legal, academic, or official documents.
What is the noun form of inquire?
The noun form is inquiry (or enquiry in British English). The noun related to ask is question or request, depending on context.
Can you inquire about a price?
Yes. “I would like to inquire about the price of your services” is perfectly correct and sounds professional. “I would like to ask about the price” is equally correct but slightly less formal.
Is “may I ask” or “may I inquire” more polite?
Both are polite. “May I ask” is the standard polite form. “May I inquire” sounds more formal and is used in official or professional settings where maximum courtesy is required.