In American English, inquiry is the usual spelling for both a request for information and an investigation. British English also uses enquiry, especially for a request for information.
Match the spelling to the context
- American English, a question. The library received an inquiry about its weekend hours.
- American or British English, an investigation. The board opened an inquiry into the flood damage.
- British English, a question. The library received an enquiry about its weekend hours.
Recognize where the spellings overlap
British writers and organizations may use inquiry for a question as well. Some distinguish a routine enquiry from a formal inquiry. Follow the spelling your publication uses, and keep the original spelling in an official title.
The related verbs are inquire and enquire. For other regional spelling patterns, see Defense vs. Defence and Toward vs. Towards.
