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."
inseparable
inquire after
B2 formal inseparable transitive
To ask about someone's health, wellbeing, or current situation as a social courtesy.
In plain English
To politely ask how someone is doing.
What does "inquire after" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "inquire after"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
health wellbeing family progress wife husband children
How to conjugate "inquire after"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "inquire after" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "inquire after" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.