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 garage to enquire about progress on the repairs.
- 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 askaskenquire ▪ demandThese words all mean to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information. ask to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information:In 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.- ‘Where are you going?’ she asked.
- She asked the students their names.
- Can I ask a question?
- I called the station to enquire about train times.
- ‘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
- …
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enquire