This small spelling difference causes big confusion for students, writers, business owners, and anyone using English online. Both words look correct. Both appear in dictionaries.
And both are used every day in emails, websites, and official documents.
So why do people search for “enquiry or inquiry”?
Because they want to avoid mistakes. They want to sound professional. And they want to know which spelling is right for their country, audience, or exam.
The truth is simple: both spellings are correct, but they are used differently depending on region and context. British English prefers one. American English prefers the other. Some places use both.
Enquiry or Inquiry – Quick Answer
Both “enquiry” and “inquiry” mean a question or request for information.
The difference is regional:
- Enquiry → British English
- Inquiry → American English
Simple examples:
- UK: I sent an enquiry about the course.
- US: I sent an inquiry about the course.
👉 Meaning is the same. Spelling changes by region.
The Origin of Enquiry or Inquiry
Both words come from the same root.
Word history:
- Origin: Old French “enquerre”
- Root: Latin “inquirere” (to seek or ask)
In early English, both spellings existed together. Over time:
- British English kept enquiry
- American English standardized inquiry
This split is similar to:
- colour vs color
- centre vs center
There is no difference in meaning, only in spelling tradition.
British English vs American English Spelling
This is where most confusion comes from.
British English
- Uses enquiry for general questions
- Uses inquiry sometimes for formal investigations (optional)
American English
- Uses inquiry for everything
- Enquiry is rare and often seen as incorrect
Comparison Table
| Region | Preferred Spelling | Example |
| United Kingdom | Enquiry | Customer enquiry received |
| United States | Inquiry | Inquiry form submitted |
| Canada | Inquiry (mostly) | Sales inquiry |
| Australia | Enquiry | Job enquiry |
| International English | Either | Depends on audience |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use the spelling that matches your audience.
Use enquiry if:
- You write for the UK
- You target Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
- You follow British exams (IELTS, Cambridge)
Use inquiry if:
- You write for the USA
- inquiry or enquiry australia
- You target American companies
- You follow US style guides
Read Also.Possum or Opossum: Know the Real Difference Easily
Common Mistakes with Enquiry or Inquiry
Here are frequent errors people make:
❌ Mixing spellings
- We received your enquiry. Our inquiry team will respond.
✅ Pick one spelling and stay consistent.
❌ Thinking meanings are different
- They mean the same thing.
No emotional or tone difference.
❌ Assuming enquiry is wrong
- Enquiry is correct in British English.
❌ Using enquiry in American documents
- US readers expect inquiry.
Enquiry or Inquiry in Everyday Examples
Emails
- UK: Thank you for your enquiry.
- US: Thank you for your inquiry.
Business & Customer Support
- Please submit your product inquiry online.
News & Media
- A government inquiry was launched.
Social Media
- DM us for any enquiries! (UK brand)
Formal Writing
- The committee opened an official inquiry.
Enquiry or Inquiry – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows a clear regional pattern.
Popular by country:
- Inquiry → USA, Canada
- Enquiry → UK, Australia, India
Online forms:
- American websites → Inquiry Form
- British websites → Enquiry Form
SEO insight:
If your site targets:
- US traffic → use inquiry
- UK traffic → use enquiry
- Global traffic → inquiry performs slightly better
Enquiry vs Inquiry – Comparison Table
| Feature | Enquiry | Inquiry |
| Meaning | Question | Question |
| British English | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| American English | ❌ Rare | ✅ Yes |
| Formal use | Yes | Yes |
| Informal use | Yes | Yes |
| SEO (Global) | Medium | High |
FAQs: Enquiry or Inquiry
1. Is enquiry wrong?
No. It is correct in British English.
2. Is inquiry more formal?
No. Both are equally formal.
3. Can I use enquiry in the USA?
You can, but inquiry is preferred.
4. Are meanings different?
No. They mean the same thing.
5. Which spelling is better for SEO?
Inquiry works better for global traffic.
6. IELTS uses which spelling?
IELTS follows British English → enquiry.
7. Can I use both in one article?
No. Use one spelling consistently.
Conclusion
The confusion between enquiry or inquiry is common but now it is solved.
Both words mean the same thing: a question or request for information. There is no difference in tone, formality, or intent. The only real difference is where they are used.
If you write for a British or Commonwealth audience, enquiry is the correct choice. If you write for an American audience or a global business inquiry is safer and more widely accepted.
The most important rule is consistency. Choose one spelling based on your audience and use it everywhere: emails, websites, forms, and articles.
When you match your spelling to your readers, you sound professional, confident, and clear. And next time you pause while writing, you will already know the answer.
Pam Peters is an Australian linguist known for her work on English spelling and usage differences.
She specializes in British and American English variations.
