I wrote to the company ______ them for a catalog.
A. inquiring
B. asking

Note: In the context of this question, do we sometimes use the verb “ inquire?” If so how do we use it? Thanks

Question

I wrote to the company ______ them for a catalog.
A.	inquiring 
B.	asking

Note: In the context of this question, do we sometimes use the verb “ inquire?” If so how do we use it? Thanks

Answer

I wrote to the company ASKING them for a catalog.

I wrote to the company INQUIRING ABOUT/INTO a catalog.

There is a difference in meaning:

The first sentence is about receiving the catalog. [Because "asking for"]
The second is about receiving information about the catalog.

The first sentence could also be about information if you said "...asking about a catalog.".

Answer

If someone were to say your statement to me "I wrote to your company asking them for a catalog".  My understanding would be they want me to give them a catalog.

If they were saying, "I wrote to your company inquiring about a catalog" then I would be asking them a question as to their meaning as this really does have two meanings.  Firstly they could be asking about information contained in the catalog, or whether in fact we have a catalog.

But you wouldn't use "inquiring them for a catalog".

Answer

B. Asking. It would be awkward to use "inquire" in that context. You could write, "I wrote to the company inquiring about a catalog."

Answers · 3

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