Inquire vs Enquire: What's the Difference? In British English, "enquire" is used for informal or everyday questions. "I want to enquire about the bus schedule." "Inquire" is used for more formal or official questions. You’ll see it in situations like business or police investigations. "The police want to inquire about the incident." In American English, it’s easier. "Inquire" is used for everything, both formal and informal. So how about this? "She wants to ____ about the new shop." #englishlear