Definition

1. Verb:
   • To ask for information: To seek knowledge or facts by asking a question or questions.
   • To investigate or examine: To conduct a formal or systematic examination into a matter.

Usage

• Basic Usage: The verb "inquire" is used when someone wants to get information. It is often followed by prepositions like "about," "into," or "after." It is more formal than "ask."
• Common Structures:
  • inquire about + [topic/question]
  • inquire into + [matter for investigation]
  • inquire after + [person's well-being]
  • inquire + [direct question, often with "whether," "who," "what," etc.]

Examples

• Verb:
  • I need to inquire about the train schedule.
  • The committee will inquire into the cause of the accident.
  • She called to inquire after your health.
  • He inquired whether the job was still available.

Advanced Usage

• "to inquire within": A phrase often seen on signs, meaning to ask for more information inside a building or from a person inside.
  • For details on the sale, please inquire within.
• "to inquire of (someone)": A formal way to say "to ask someone."
  • You may inquire of the receptionist for directions.

Variants and Related Words

• Inquiry (Enquiry) (n): The act of inquiring; a question or investigation.
  • The police launched an inquiry.
• Inquiring (Enquiring) (adj): Showing an interest in learning new things.
  • She has an inquiring mind.
• Inquirer (Enquirer) (n): A person who inquires.

Synonyms

• Ask: To put a question to someone. (Less formal than "inquire.")
• Query: To ask a question, especially to check accuracy.
• Investigate: To carry out a systematic or formal inquiry.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Inquire about: To ask for information concerning something.
  • Many customers inquire about the return policy.
• Inquire into: To investigate or look into a situation.
  • The journalist promised to inquire into the corruption allegations.
• Inquire after: To ask about someone's health or well-being.
  • Your aunt inquired after you yesterday.

Related Idioms

• To make inquiries: To ask questions in order to get information.
  • I'll make some inquiries and see what I can find out.

Verb

1. conduct an inquiry or investigation of
   • The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities
   • inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady
2. have a wish or desire to know something
   • He wondered who had built this beautiful church
3. inquire about
   • I asked about their special today
   • He had to ask directions several times