What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inquiry
Example
I sent an inquiry to the company about their product specifications. [inquiry: noun]
Example
The committee conducted an inquiry into the allegations of misconduct. [inquiry: noun]
query
Example
I have a query about the billing statement. [query: noun]
Example
She queried the database to find the relevant information. [queried: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Query is more commonly used than inquiry in everyday language, especially in American English. However, inquiry is still widely used in formal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inquiry and query?
Inquiry is generally considered more formal than query, and is often used in legal or official contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and audience.
