whatbis the difference between

[Stargazer]

enquiry and inquiry?

[plautus]

None really, although inquiry tends to be a more in-depth process than enquiry.

[McMouse]

One starts with an "e", the other..............

[owdhamer]

If you visit from outside it is an enquiry,if you are inside it is inquiry.

[magsmay]

I think this is an example where a verb (to Enquire) has been turned into a noun (Enquiry)

to Enquire means asking a question or wanting to know about something. Example, You put an ad up, and I enquired about it. ( I asked you for some more information.)

INQUIRY is the correct noun for the process of Enquiring. An inquiry is any PROCESS that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem.

ie At the Public INQUIRY Mr. Smith ENQUIRED as to what was going to be done about the parking situation.

[Stargazer]

Thank you for your answers, especially Mags as that seems to be the most likely. I don't know how foreigners ever get to grips with our language as even I sometimes misread read for read and other similar easily mixed up words.

[grasscarp]

and I cant stand when people say ENKwary instead of enKWIary

[commoner]

A mon avis an enquiry is a simple question or query..... whilst an inquiry is a formal investigation into something.

That said, they both seem to be used in any context....

[owdhamer]

Our office has on street door en,workshop side has in, I am assured by the smart lady in the office this is correct

[Stargazer]

Spelling in English is a pain. There are so many peculiar and inconsistant pronunciations of words like naught and thought, ruff and rough, ouch and touch, book and tool and on and on. My seven year old granddaughter is learning to spell and is really excellent for that age and writes copiously. However, it is ironic that when spelling a word which is fairly straightforward she is remembering the irregular way (ie sight for site and cite etc) and in my birthday card which she had made she spelled icing as ighcing. So sweet actually but no wonder she is confused.

[jno]

my OED says there is "no readily discernible distinction", but adds that some old grammar books give commoner's answer. I suspect it's like yoghurt, one of those words that don't have a fixed spelling.

[ladybirder]

I blame the Americans.