What Does “Inquire sth of sb” Mean?
The phrase “inquire sth of sb” means to ask someone for information or a favor. It is a formal way of requesting something from another person.
Introduction
The expression “inquire sth of sb” is a somewhat formal phrasal verb used when you want to ask someone for information, help, or clarification. The word “inquire” means to seek information by asking a question, and “sth” is a placeholder for “something,” while “sb” stands for “somebody.” This phrase is less common in everyday casual conversation but is often found in formal writing, business communication, and polite requests. Understanding the inquire sth of sb meaning helps learners use it appropriately in professional or polite contexts, ensuring clarity and respect when making requests.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal Verb: inquire something of somebody
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 – C1 (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced)
- Short Meaning: To ask someone for information or a favor
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Inquire sth of sb” is a fixed phrase and is inseparable. You cannot place the object between “inquire” and “of.” The structure is always:
- Inquire + something + of + somebody
Examples of correct patterns:
- I inquired the price of the product.
- She inquired the whereabouts of her friend.
Note: “Inquire” is usually followed by a noun or noun phrase (something), then “of” and the person being asked.
How to Use “Inquire sth of sb”?
Use “inquire sth of sb” when you want to politely or formally ask someone for specific information or a favor. It is best suited for written communication, formal conversations, or professional settings. It can replace simpler phrases like “ask someone for something” when you want to sound more polite or official.
For example, in a business email, you might say, “I am writing to inquire the availability of your services.” In this case, “inquire” makes the request sound more courteous and professional.
Examples
Here are some natural examples to help you understand how to use “inquire sth of sb in a sentence”:
- The customer inquired the price of the new model from the sales assistant.
- She inquired the details of the contract of the lawyer.
- During the meeting, he inquired the status of the project of his team members.
- We inquired the availability of rooms of the hotel before booking.
- The student inquired the deadline of the assignment of the professor.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the word order or prepositions when using this phrase. Here are some common errors and the correct forms:
- Incorrect: I inquired of the price the product.
Correct: I inquired the price of the product. - Incorrect: She inquired about the location of him.
Correct: She inquired the location of him. (Better: She inquired the location from him.) - Incorrect: They inquired something from somebody.
Correct: They inquired something of somebody.
Remember, “inquire” is followed directly by the object, then “of” before the person.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases to “inquire sth of sb” include “ask sb for sth,” “request sth from sb,” and “query sb about sth.” While all involve seeking information, “inquire sth of sb” is more formal.
- Ask sb for sth: Common and informal. “I asked him for the time.”
- Request sth from sb: Formal, often written. “She requested a copy of the report.”
- Query sb about sth: Formal and often used in official or technical contexts. “The manager queried the employee about the delay.”
Use “inquire sth of sb” when you want to sound polite and formal, especially in writing.
Common Collocations
The verb “inquire” often pairs with specific objects when used with “of sb.” Here are some common collocations:
- Price – asking about cost (e.g., inquire the price of a product)
- Details – requesting specific information (e.g., inquire the details of an event)
- Status – asking about progress or condition (e.g., inquire the status of an application)
- Availability – checking if something is accessible (e.g., inquire the availability of rooms)
- Information – general request (e.g., inquire information of a service)
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “inquire sth of sb” naturally:
Anna: I need to know if the conference room is free tomorrow.
John: I’ll inquire the availability of the room of the office manager and let you know.
Anna: Thanks! That would be very helpful.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence that uses “inquire sth of sb” properly:
- A) She inquired the price from the store clerk.
- B) She inquired the price of the store clerk.
- C) She inquired the price of the product.
- D) She inquired of the price the product.
Answer: C) She inquired the price of the product.
FAQs
- Q: Is “inquire sth of sb” formal or informal?
A: It is a formal phrase, often used in polite or professional contexts. - Q: Can I use “inquire” without “of sb”?
A: Yes, but then you usually say “inquire about” instead, e.g., “I inquired about the schedule.” - Q: What is the difference between “inquire sth of sb” and “ask sb for sth”?
A: “Inquire sth of sb” is more formal, while “ask sb for sth” is more common and casual. - Q: Can “inquire” be used in questions?
A: Yes, for example, “May I inquire the time of the meeting?” - Q: Is “inquire sth of sb” common in spoken English?
A: It is less common in casual speech and more often seen in writing or formal speech.
