Inquiry vs. Question — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
An "Inquiry" is a formal or detailed investigation or search for information, often consisting of multiple questions. A "Question" is a more specific request for information or clarification. In essence, an inquiry may contain several questions.
Difference Between Inquiry and Question
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Key Differences
An "Inquiry" is generally a more formal or comprehensive investigation aimed at uncovering information or facts. It usually involves multiple questions and can be part of academic, legal, or professional research. On the other hand, a "Question" is a specific, pointed request for information or clarification, and it can be either formal or informal.
In terms of formality, an "Inquiry" is often more formal and may involve a structured process, such as interviews or data gathering. It is typically used in business, academic, and legal contexts. A "Question," however, can be casual or formal and is commonly used in daily conversations as well as in formal settings like interviews and surveys.
Grammatically, both "Inquiry" and "Question" are nouns, but they can serve different purposes in a sentence. "Inquiry" usually signifies an action or process of seeking information. "Question," in contrast, often serves as the direct object or subject, signifying a single piece of information being sought.
In written or spoken English, "Inquiry" is often preceded by words like "formal," "official," or "detailed," indicating the depth or scope of the investigation. "Question," conversely, can be preceded by descriptors like "simple," "direct," or "complex," which speak to the nature of the specific query being posed.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A formal or detailed investigation
A specific request for information
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Formality
Often more formal
Can be either formal or informal
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Contextual Use
Business, academic, legal
Daily conversations, interviews, surveys
Preceding Adjectives
Often preceded by "formal," "official," "detailed"
Often preceded by "simple," "direct," "complex"
Compare with Definitions
Inquiry
A question or set of questions aimed at solving a problem.
The inquiry consisted of several important questions.
Question
A test item on an exam.
The final question was extremely difficult.
Inquiry
A systematic search for information.
The scientific inquiry led to a groundbreaking discovery.
Question
A sentence, phrase, or gesture that seeks information through a reply.
Inquiry
An action to gain knowledge or understanding.
His inquiry into the matter resolved the issue.
Question
To ask a question or questions of (someone).
Inquiry
A formal investigation into a subject or situation.
The inquiry into the accident revealed new facts.
Question
To interrogate (a suspect, for example).
Inquiry
An inquiry (also spelled as enquiry in British English) is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim.
Question
To pose a question or questions regarding (something); analyze or examine
Researchers questioning which of the methods will work.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring
Engaged in scientific inquiry.
Question
To express doubt about; dispute
Questioned his sincerity.
Questioned the expense report.
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
Question
To ask questions.
Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
Question
A sentence, phrase or word which asks for information, reply or response; an interrogative.
What is your question?
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
Question
A subject or topic for consideration or investigation.
The question of seniority will be discussed at the meeting.
There was a question of which material to use.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
Question
A doubt or challenge about the truth, accuracy, or validity of a matter.
His claim to the property has come under question.
The story is true beyond question.
He obeyed without question.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
He could no path nor track of foot descry,Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.
The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
Question
A proposal to a meeting as a topic for deliberation.
I move that the question be put to a vote.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.
All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.
Question
Interrogation by torture.
Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Question
(obsolete) Talk; conversation; speech.
Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Question
(transitive) To ask questions of; to interrogate; to ask for information.
Inquiry
A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
Question
(transitive) To raise doubts about; have doubts about.
Inquiry
A request for information, usually in writing.
I sent an inquiry to the university about their programs.
Question
(intransitive) To ask a question or questions; inquire or seek to know; examine.
Question
To argue; to converse; to dispute.
Question
The act of asking; interrogation; inquiry; as, to examine by question and answer.
Question
Discussion; debate; hence, objection; dispute; doubt; as, the story is true beyond question; he obeyed without question.
There arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
It is to be to question, whether it be lawful for Christian princes to make an invasive war simply for the propagation of the faith.
Question
Examination with reference to a decisive result; investigation; specifically, a judicial or official investigation; also, examination under torture.
He that was in question for the robbery. Shak.The Scottish privy council had power to put state prisoners to the question.
Question
That which is asked; inquiry; interrogatory; query.
But this question askedPuts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ?
Question
Hence, a subject of investigation, examination, or debate; theme of inquiry; matter to be inquired into; as, a delicate or doubtful question.
Question
Talk; conversation; speech; speech.
Question
To ask questions; to inquire.
He that questioneth much shall learn much.
Question
To argue; to converse; to dispute.
I pray you, think you question with the Jew.
Question
To inquire of by asking questions; to examine by interrogatories; as, to question a witness.
Question
To doubt of; to be uncertain of; to query.
And most we question what we most desire.
Question
To raise a question about; to call in question; to make objection to.
Question
To talk to; to converse with.
With many holiday and lady terms he questioned me.
Question
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Question
The subject matter at issue;
The question of disease merits serious discussion
Under the head of minor Roman poets
Question
A sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply;
He asked a direct question
He had trouble phrasing his interrogations
Question
Uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something;
The dubiousness of his claim
There is no question about the validity of the enterprise
Question
A formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote;
He made a motion to adjourn
She called for the question
Question
An informal reference to a marriage proposal;
He was ready to pop the question
Question
Challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of;
We must question your judgment in this matter
Question
Pose a series of questions to;
The suspect was questioned by the police
We questioned the survivor about the details of the explosion
Question
Pose a question
Question
Conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
Question
Place in doubt or express doubtful speculation;
I wonder whether this was the right thing to do
She wondered whether it would snow tonight
Question
A sentence designed to elicit a response.
The question puzzled everyone in the room.
Question
An expression of doubt or uncertainty.
Her question about the procedure made us rethink the plan.
Question
A topic or subject for discussion.
The question of ethics was raised in the meeting.
Question
A request for specific information.
He asked a question about the project deadline.
Common Curiosities
How do Inquiry and Question differ?
An Inquiry is often more formal and broad, while a Question is more specific.
Is Inquiry a noun?
Yes, Inquiry is a noun that represents a process of investigation.
Is Question a noun?
Yes, Question is also a noun representing a request for information.
Is Inquiry more formal than Question?
Typically, yes; an Inquiry often involves a structured process.
What is a Question?
A Question is a specific request for information or clarification.
Can Inquiry include multiple questions?
Yes, an Inquiry can consist of several questions.
What is an Inquiry?
An Inquiry is a formal or detailed investigation or search for information.
Can a Question be informal?
Yes, a Question can be either informal or formal.
In what contexts is Question usually used?
Question is used in daily conversations as well as formal settings.
Is Question used more commonly in daily language?
Yes, Question is commonly used in daily conversations.
What kinds of adjectives commonly precede Question?
Adjectives like "simple," "direct," and "complex" often precede Question.
Can Inquiry be written or verbal?
Yes, an Inquiry can be made in writing or verbally.
In what contexts is Inquiry usually used?
Inquiry is commonly used in business, academic, and legal settings.
What kinds of adjectives commonly precede Inquiry?
Adjectives like "formal," "official," and "detailed" often precede Inquiry.
Can both Inquiry and Question appear in a research paper?
Yes, both can appear, with Inquiry possibly referring to the overall investigation and Question to specific queries.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
