inquiry

/ɪnˈkwaɪəri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnkwəri/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē ˈin-ˌkwī(-ə)r-ē; ˈin-kwə-rē ˈiŋ-; ˈin-ˌkwir-ē/ (ame, mw)

inquiry — noun

  • inquirysingular
  • inquiriesplural

1. a question or series of questions aimed at getting information about a particula

1.名詞B1
釋義

a question or series of questions aimed at getting information about a particular person, event, or subject

例句

Joon called the travel agency to make an inquiry about flights to Seoul.

make an inquiry about [topic] — asking for information

The librarian said she would forward my inquiry to the archivist.

同義詞
  • question

    the most general term; a single utterance seeking an answer, less formal than 'inquiry'

  • query

    often used in computing or data contexts; a precise, formal request for specific information

  • request

    focuses on the act of asking rather than the question itself; broader meaning

反義詞
  • answer

    the response given to an inquiry

  • reply

    what is said or written in response to a question

文法句型

make an inquiry

inquiry about [topic]

inquiry into [subject]

inquiry regarding [matter]

用法筆記

Frequently paired with prepositions: 'inquiry about' is used for general topics, while 'inquiry into' suggests a more serious or detailed search for facts. The British spelling 'enquiry' is commonly used for this general sense, while 'inquiry' is standard in American English for all meanings.

常見錯誤

❌I have a inquiry about the price.
✅I have an inquiry about the price.
💡'inquiry' starts with a vowel sound, so it takes 'an', not 'a'.

2. a formal process, usually led by an appointed group or authority, to establish t

2.名詞B2
釋義

a formal process, usually led by an appointed group or authority, to establish the cause of a serious accident, problem, or public concern

例句

The government launched a public inquiry into the cause of the bridge collapse.

launch a public inquiry into [event] — starting an official investigation

Baraka was called to give evidence before the inquiry committee.

同義詞
  • investigation

    broader term covering both formal and informal fact-finding; 'investigation' is preferred for criminal matters

  • probe

    more informal journalistic term for a detailed examination; implies a searching inquiry

  • hearing

    a specific session within an inquiry where evidence is presented orally

文法句型

launch an inquiry into [event]

hold an inquiry into [subject]

a public inquiry

an independent inquiry

an inquiry finds/concludes/recommends

用法筆記

Commonly used with verbs that indicate initiation: 'launch', 'open', 'set up', 'hold'. The subject is usually a government body, institution, or other authority with the power to compel testimony. Distinguish from sense 1 (OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION) which is a formal, structured process, whereas sense 1 (ASK FOR INFORMATION) covers casual or routine questions.

常見錯誤

❌The police are doing an inquiry into the robbery.
✅The police are conducting an investigation into the robbery.
💡For police/criminal matters, 'investigation' is more natural than 'inquiry', which is used for official fact-finding by a committee or authority.