'enquiry' and 'query'?

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Mehrgan

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Hi,
Would anyone please tell me if they're used interchangably?


Thanks a lot.
 

Rover_KE

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No, they are not.

Enquiry
is only a noun; query can be a noun or verb.

Rover
 

Mehrgan

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No, they are not.

Enquiry is only a noun; query can be a noun or verb.

Rover


Thanks. So is that just the 'part of speech' that makes them different?
 

Rover_KE

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No.

A query is just a question.

An enquiry can be a thorough investigation.

Rover
 

riquecohen

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While not frequently heard, query also functions as a verb in AmE.
Inquire is seen more frequently than enquire in AmE.

On second thought, we do have an exceptionally benighted tabloid called The National Enquirer.
 
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Raymott

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Thanks. So is that just the 'part of speech' that makes them different?
If you walk into a building, you might see a desk with a sign, "Enquiries".
You won't see one with a sign saying "Queries".
So, although they mean a similar thing, they are different in many areas of usage.
 
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