inquire after
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To politely ask how someone is doing.
Meanings
1 B2 formal
To politely ask about someone's health, wellbeing, or personal situation.
"He called to inquire after his former colleague's recovery from surgery."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
More formal or old-fashioned than 'ask after'. Common in formal correspondence or polite conversation, often in the phrase 'She inquired after your health.' More typical of British English and written registers.
Commonly used with
health wellbeing family progress wife husband children
Forms
Base
inquire after
I/you/we/they
3rd person
inquires after
he/she/it
Past simple
inquired after
yesterday
Past participle
inquired after
have + pp
-ing form
inquiring after
continuous
Understand "inquire after" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "inquire after" on Looplines