Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

What is the different between these two words?

Thanks.

[bud]

You mean "inquiry?"

I don't know that there is much difference between them except that "inquest" (at least to me) sounds a little more dire.

(It could be that it is known that something went wrong in an inquest, whereas there is only a possibility of that in an inquiry. I couldn't get a clear suggestion of that in a dictionary, though.)

[BMO]

Thanks, Bud.

bmo

[advoca]

May I throw in a British point of view? I believe we use these words more than Americans do. In British English an inquest is an official attempt by a court to find the cause of someone's death:
.
-- compare AUTOPSY, POSTMORTEM



To inquire is to ask someone for information about something:
May I ask who is enquiring?

inquire about: Why don't you telephone the theatre and inquire about tickets?

inquire whether/why/when etc: I am writing to inquire whether you have any positions available.May I inquire why you wish to speak to him?
May I inquire when you will be able to come to visit me?

To inquire after is a phrasal verb [transitive] BRITISH FORMAL
To inquire after someone is to ask someone about someone else, especially about how they are or what they are doing:
Rachel's mother was inquiring after you.

To inquire into is a phrasal verb [transitive]
To inquire into something to ask questions and examine the answers in order to find out the truth about something:
The committee inquired into complaints made by several prisoners.

To inquire of is a phrasal verb [transitive] FORMAL
To inquire of someone is to ask someone something:
'Are you sure?' he inquired of Rose anxiously.

I hope this helps.

[BMO]

To inquire of is a phrasal verb [transitive] FORMAL
To inquire of someone is to ask someone something:
'Are you sure?' he inquired of Rose anxiously.



Yes, very helpful. The last sentence, could you delete "of" and still retain its meaning?

Thanks a lot.

bmo