What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inquiring
Example
The journalist was inquiring about the company's financial records. [inquiring: verb]
Example
She had an inquiring mind and always wanted to learn more. [inquiring: adjective]
curious
Example
The child was curious about the strange object she found in the park. [curious: adjective]
Example
He couldn't help but be curious about what was inside the mysterious package. [curious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Curious is more commonly used than inquiring in everyday language. Curious is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inquiring is less common and often used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inquiring and curious?
Inquiring is typically associated with a more formal or professional tone, while curious is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.