Inquiry vs. Query

In this lesson, we will focus on the differences and similarities between these two words. If you still wanna expand your knowledge, come with me.

What Is Their Main Difference?

They both deal with asking questions. However, a 'query' is a question, whereas, an 'inquiry' in an official interrogation. The goal of an 'inquiry' is to gain useful information.

Differences

'Query' is a question. Look at the examples below:

The professor calmly responded to my query.

Your main job is to answer different queries on the internet.

'Inquiry' is related to gaining information through asking questions, doing research, and performing different tasks. Take a look at the examples below:

The inquiries the police conducted seems useless now.

His book is titled: 'An Inquiry into How Rock Music Was Affected by Elvis Presley'.

Similarities

Both refer to asking questions in order to gain information. Take a look at the examples below:

I'm sorry, but I'm not supposed to answer your queries.

Warner decided to have another inquiry to finally determine the kind of creature Juliette is.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they share some similarities, they cannot be used interchangeably. 'Query' is question, whereas, an 'inquiry' is broader. Compare:

✓ An inquiry was conducted to finally decide whether to pursue this issue or not.

X A query was conducted to finally decide whether to pursue this issue or not.

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