enquire
verb /ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/
/ɪnˈkwaɪər/
(especially British English) (also inquire North American English, British English)
[intransitive, transitive] (rather formal)Verb Forms
Phrasal Verbs| present simple I / you / we / they enquire | /ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/ /ɪnˈkwaɪər/ |
| he / she / it enquires | /ɪnˈkwaɪəz/ /ɪnˈkwaɪərz/ |
| past simple enquired | /ɪnˈkwaɪəd/ /ɪnˈkwaɪərd/ |
| past participle enquired | /ɪnˈkwaɪəd/ /ɪnˈkwaɪərd/ |
| -ing form enquiring | /ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/ /ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/ |
- to ask somebody for some information
- enquire about somebody/something I called the station to enquire about train times.
- enquire as to somebody/something She enquired as to your whereabouts.
- enquire why, where, etc… Might I enquire why you have not mentioned this until now?
- enquire something He enquired her name.
- + speech ‘What is your name?’ he enquired.
Synonyms askaskIn British English people sometimes distinguish between enquire and inquire, using enquire for the general meaning of ‘ask for information’ and inquire for the more particular meaning of ‘officially investigate’ I called to enquire about train times. • A committee will inquire into the allegations. However, you can use either spelling in either meaning. In American English inquire is usually used in both meanings.- enquire
- demand
- ask to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information:
- ‘Where are you going?’ she asked.
- She asked the students their names.
- Can I ask a question?
- enquire/inquire (rather formal) to ask somebody for information:
- I called the station to enquire about train times.
- demand to make a very strong request for information:
- ‘And where have you been?’ he demanded angrily.
- to ask/enquire about/after somebody/something
- to ask/enquire/demand something of somebody
- to ask/enquire/demand what/who/how, etc.
- to ask/enquire politely
- to ask/enquire/demand angrily
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb- further
- pleasantly
- politely
- …
- about
- after
- as to
- …