inquire

/ɪnˈkwaɪə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈkwaɪər/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈkwī(-ə)r/ (ame, mw)

inquire — verb

  • inquirepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • inquires3rd person singular
  • inquiring-ing form
  • inquiredpast simple

1. to ask questions in order to get information, especially in a polite or official

1.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to ask questions in order to get information, especially in a polite or official situation

例句

Mayumi inquired about the train schedule at the front desk before buying her ticket.

inquire about [topic] for asking information

The receptionist asked David to inquire whether the meeting room was still available.

inquire whether/if + clause for checking facts

同義詞
  • ask

    more general and less formal; suitable for all situations

  • query

    suggests doubt about correctness; more formal and often used in writing

  • question

    implies a series of directed inquiries, often in an interview or investigation

反義詞

文法句型

inquire about [topic]

inquire whether / if [clause]

inquire + wh-word + [clause]

inquire of [person]

用法筆記

More formal than 'ask'. To name the person you are asking, use inquire of [person] rather than putting the person directly after the verb: 'She inquired of the clerk whether any tickets remained.'

常見錯誤

❌I inquired him about the price.
✅I asked him about the price.' or 'I inquired about the price.
💡'inquire' does not take a direct personal object; use 'ask someone' or 'inquire of someone.'
❌She inquired me where the station was.
✅She asked me where the station was.
💡for everyday questions with a personal object, use 'ask' instead of 'inquire.'

2. to officially examine all the facts about a problem, crime, or accident in order

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to officially examine all the facts about a problem, crime, or accident in order to find out what really happened

例句

The government appointed a special committee to inquire into the causes of the factory explosion.

inquire into [topic] for formal investigation

Police are inquiring into the disappearance of two hikers in the national park.

同義詞
  • investigate

    wider scope; can be informal or formal, scientific or legal

  • probe

    suggests a deeper, more thorough search; often used in journalism

  • examine

    general term for looking at something carefully

反義詞

文法句型

inquire into [matter / cause / issue]

用法筆記

The subject is typically an authority or institution (police, committee, government board). Always takes the preposition into to introduce what is being investigated.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher inquired into my homework.
✅The teacher checked my homework.
💡'inquire into' is for formal investigations, not everyday checking.
❌She inquired the corruption case.
✅She inquired into the corruption case.
💡'inquire into' always requires the preposition 'into' for this sense.

3. to reflect on something in your mind because you really want to understand it or

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to reflect on something in your mind because you really want to understand it or find an answer

例句

Ignacio inquired of himself whether he had made the right choice by leaving his job.

inquire of oneself + whether for internal wondering

Rachid often inquires what life would be like if he had studied music, not law.

inquire + wh-clause for curiosity

同義詞
  • wonder

    the natural conversational alternative; less formal

  • ponder

    suggests deeper, more careful thought over time

  • question

    can mean to have doubts about something

反義詞

文法句型

inquire of oneself + wh-clause

inquire + whether + clause

用法筆記

Often reflexive (inquire of oneself) or used without a direct object. More literary than the other senses; in everyday speech, 'wonder' is preferred.

常見錯誤

❌I am inquiring what you want for dinner.
✅I am wondering what you want for dinner.
💡for casual wondering about everyday topics, use 'wonder' rather than 'inquire.'