What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enquired
Example
I enquired about the availability of the product at the store. [enquired: past tense]
Example
She enquired politely about the schedule for the upcoming event. [enquired: verb]
questioned
Example
The police questioned the suspect about his whereabouts on the night of the crime. [questioned: past tense]
Example
He questioned the validity of the research findings during the presentation. [questioned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Questioned is more commonly used than enquired in everyday language. Questioned is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enquired is less common and typically used in formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enquired and questioned?
Enquired is more formal than questioned. It is often used in professional or business settings where politeness and respect are important. In contrast, questioned can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and the tone of the speaker.
