Quick answer: Inquire means to ask for information, typically a direct or polite question: She inquired about the price. Investigate means to examine something systematically and carefully in order to discover facts, often about a problem, crime, or unknown situation: Police are investigating the incident. Remember: INQUIRE = ask a question; INVESTIGATE = examine in depth to find facts. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘inquire’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| inquire | verb | to ask for information; to make an enquiry | He inquired about the opening hours. |
| investigate | verb | to examine something systematically to discover facts; to carry out a formal inquiry | The team investigated the cause of the fire. |
Using Inquire
Inquire (also spelled enquire in British English) means to ask for information. It is a relatively simple act — you are seeking an answer, usually by asking a question directly. It is often used in formal or polite contexts.
May I inquire as to the reason for your visit?
She inquired about available rooms at the hotel.
I called to inquire about the status of my application.
He inquired whether the package had arrived.
In British English, many writers distinguish between enquire (to ask a simple question) and inquire (to conduct a formal investigation or inquiry). In American English, inquire is the standard spelling for both.
Using Investigate
Investigate implies a more thorough and systematic process of finding out facts. It involves examining evidence, gathering data, interviewing people, or testing hypotheses. It is common in police, scientific, journalistic, and business contexts.
Detectives investigated the crime scene for hours.
Journalists investigated the company’s financial dealings.
Scientists are investigating the effects of the drug.
The committee was set up to investigate the allegations.
Investigate Into
Note: in formal British English, you can inquire into a matter or investigate a matter. You do not normally say “investigate into.”
The committee inquired into the matter of the missing funds.
The committee investigated the matter of the missing funds.
The committee investigated into the matter. (non-standard)
Key Differences
- Depth: inquire = a question or enquiry; investigate = a thorough examination.
- Formality: both are formal, but investigate implies a longer, more structured process.
- Agent: anyone can inquire; investigators are often police, scientists, or journalists.
- Outcome: inquiring gets an answer; investigating discovers facts or conclusions.
Memory Tip
INQUIRE → think question: you ask a question to get a quick answer.
INVESTIGATE → think detective: a detective digs deep to find the truth.
Common Mistakes
✗ Police inquired the crime scene.
✓ Police investigated the crime scene.
✗ They decided to investigate into the cause.
✓ They decided to investigate the cause.
In British English, an inquiry often refers to a formal or official investigation, while an enquiry is a simple question. In American English, inquiry covers both. Be consistent within your writing.
Also confusing: Differentiate vs Distinguish, Respond vs Reply, Accept vs Except. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Inquire or Investigate?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “May I ___ about your return policy?”
2. “The journalist ___ the company’s financial records for months.”
3. “She called the office to ___ about the job vacancy.”
4. “A team of scientists is ___ the cause of the outbreak.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between inquire and investigate?
Inquire means to ask for information, typically a direct or polite question: “She inquired about the price.” Investigate means to examine something systematically and thoroughly in order to discover facts: “Police investigated the scene.” The key difference is depth: inquiring is asking; investigating is a careful, structured examination.
What is the difference between inquire and enquire?
In British English, some writers distinguish between enquire (to ask a simple question) and inquire (to conduct a formal investigation): “She enquired about the time” vs “The commission inquired into the matter.” In American English, inquire covers both meanings and enquire is rarely used. In practice, many British writers use both spellings interchangeably.
What is the noun form of investigate?
The noun form is investigation: “a police investigation,” “a scientific investigation.” The agent noun is investigator: “a private investigator.” The adjective is investigative: “investigative journalism.” These words all carry the sense of a thorough, systematic search for facts.
What is the noun form of inquire?
The noun form is inquiry (or enquiry in British English): “a public inquiry,” “I have an inquiry about my order.” An inquiry can be a simple question or a formal official investigation. The adjective inquisitive means curious and eager to ask questions: “an inquisitive mind.” The related noun inquisition refers to a formal or intense questioning process.
Can you say “investigate into”?
No, this is non-standard. The correct construction is simply investigate: “They investigated the allegations” (not “investigated into”). The preposition into is standard with inquire: “inquire into a matter.” Confusing the two and adding into after investigate is a common learner error.
What does “investigative journalism” mean?
Investigative journalism refers to in-depth reporting where journalists carry out extensive research, gather evidence, and uncover wrongdoing or hidden information. It involves much more than asking questions (inquiring); it requires systematic examination of records, interviews, and evidence over a long period. Famous examples include Watergate coverage and Panama Papers reporting.
Is inquire formal or informal?
Inquire is more formal than ask. In everyday speech, people usually say “Can I ask about...?” rather than “May I inquire about...?” However, inquire is natural and appropriate in formal letters, emails, and polite business communication. Investigate is neutral in formality but implies a more serious process.
What are common collocations with inquire?
Common collocations: inquire about (a matter), inquire into (a matter), inquire whether/if, inquire politely, make an inquiry, field inquiries, respond to inquiries. In formal writing: “I am writing to inquire about...” is a standard opening for business emails and letters.
What are common collocations with investigate?
Common collocations: investigate a crime/incident/allegation, investigate the cause, launch an investigation, under investigation, criminal investigation, investigation team, forensic investigation, investigate thoroughly. In scientific contexts: investigate a hypothesis, investigate the effects of, investigate further.
How are inquire and investigate used in IELTS?
Both words appear in IELTS reading and writing. Investigate is common in academic topics about science, crime, and social issues. Inquire appears in professional and formal communication contexts. Using either word precisely and in its natural collocations demonstrates C1-level vocabulary. Common IELTS collocations: “conduct an investigation,” “make inquiries.”