What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inquired
Example
I inquired about the availability of the product at the store. [inquired: past tense]
Example
He politely inquired about her health after she returned from the hospital. [inquired: verb]
queried
Example
The journalist queried the politician about his stance on the issue. [queried: past tense]
Example
She queried the results of the experiment, as they seemed inconsistent. [queried: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Queried is more commonly used than inquired in everyday language, especially in journalism or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inquired and queried?
Inquired is more formal than queried, making it more appropriate for customer service or hospitality settings where politeness is valued.