What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inquire
Example
May I inquire about the availability of the product? [inquire: verb]
Example
I would like to inquire about the schedule for the event. [inquire: verb]
Example
She inquired about my health after hearing that I was sick. [inquired: past tense]
query
Example
I have a query about the payment process. [query: noun]
Example
Could you please query the database for the customer's contact information? [query: verb]
Example
He queried the results of the experiment, suspecting an error. [queried: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Query is more commonly used than inquire in American English, while inquire is more common in British English. Both words are less common in everyday language and are typically used in formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inquire and query?
Inquire is considered more formal than query and is often used in professional or business settings. However, both words can be used in formal writing or speech.
