What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enquiry
Example
I sent an enquiry to the company regarding their products. [enquiry: noun]
Example
She enquired about the availability of the book at the library. [enquired: past tense verb]
query
Example
I have a query about my bill. [query: noun]
Example
He queried the accuracy of the data provided. [queried: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Query is more commonly used than enquiry in everyday language, especially in American English. However, both words are still widely used in formal contexts such as business, academia, and government.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enquiry and query?
Enquiry is generally considered more formal than query, and may be more appropriate in formal or official settings. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the communication.
