To ask politely about someone's health, wellbeing, or situation, often on behalf of oneself or another person.
To ask how someone is doing, usually in a polite or old-fashioned way.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To ask about someone's health, welfare, or general situation, typically in a polite or considerate way.
"She called the office to enquire after her colleague who had been off sick for a week."
He enquired after her health with what seemed like genuine concern.
— Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813
To ask for information about a particular thing or person on someone else's behalf.
"My mother asked me to enquire after your father when I saw you."
Chiefly British English; 'enquire after' is more common in British English while 'inquire after' appears in American English. Both are quite formal and mostly found in written correspondence or polite social contexts. In everyday speech, 'ask about' is far more natural.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "enquire after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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