Learn English – What’s the difference between ‘ask’ and ‘inquire’? Can I use them interchangeably

differencesverbsword-choice

For example, see the following reference:

Denison was interested, went over to him, and watched the swift, skilful manner in which the thin brown fingers worked.

"Where are you going to fish?" he inquired.

The broad, flat face lit up. "Outside in the dam deep water–sixty, eighty fa'am."

Can I also use "he asked" here? Where are the places I cannot use ask instead of inquire?

Best Answer

You can ask that someone perform an action.
When you inquire you only request information.
You can ask for permission, a favour, or forgiveness, but not inquire for them.
They're not interchangeable, ask is broader.