Learn English – The use of ” inquire”

word-usage

Can I use "to inquire" with an indirect object and does its meaning change in this following sense, to ask information, whether I use "as to/ about" because the prepositions used with it change its meaning. I wonder if there is a difference between simply "to inquire" and " inquire about" in American English especially?

The CEO inquired the account manager (as to/about) why there is
a deficit in the annual budget at the end of the year. However, because he
could not get a good answer, he appointed a committee in order to
inquire into the records.

or

In case the product you bought have not arrive in a time that it should have so you tell your friend:

I will inquire Amazon as to whether they will able send the products
before new year.

May I inquire (as to) why you need this information?


I read an useful thread on ELU so I know prepositions used with it changes its meaning besides it can have different uses in different countries.

Best Answer

If you want to use an indirect object, use 'query' instead.

The CEO queried the account manager (as to/about) why there is a deficit in the annual budget at the end of the year. However, because he could not get a good answer, he appointed a committee in order to inquire into the records.

I will query Amazon as to whether they will able send the products before new year.

Query (MW transitive verb, definition 1)

to ask questions of especially with a desire for authoritative information

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