Offer vs. Inquiry: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 29, 2023
An offer is a proposal presented for acceptance or rejection, while an inquiry is a request for information or investigation.
Key Differences
The terms "offer" and "inquiry" represent different actions in communication. An offer refers to presenting a proposal or suggestion with the intent of acceptance or rejection, usually providing specific terms or conditions. It implies a willingness to enter into an agreement or arrangement. On the other hand, an inquiry is an act of asking or investigating to gain information, clarification, or understanding, reflecting a desire to learn or know more about something.
An offer can be seen in various contexts such as business, where goods or services are offered in exchange for money or other goods, and in everyday situations, where assistance or support may be offered. An inquiry, conversely, is common in research where questions are posed to explore or examine a specific topic or area, and in everyday interactions when seeking information or clarification on a matter.
While an offer is more about giving, suggesting, or proposing, an inquiry is about seeking, asking, or investigating. The former is extended with the expectation of acceptance or refusal, and it often requires a response, whether it is an acceptance, a counteroffer, or a rejection. An inquiry, meanwhile, implies curiosity or uncertainty and seeks a response that provides information, explanation, or clarification.
In linguistic terms, an offer is generally conveyed using imperatives or modal verbs expressing possibility, while an inquiry employs interrogative forms, typically starting with wh-questions or auxiliary verbs. An offer usually requires the responder to make a decision, whereas an inquiry necessitates the provision of information or explanation.
In summary, while an offer presents a proposal or suggestion for acceptance or rejection, indicating a willingness to make an arrangement or agreement, an inquiry involves asking or investigating to acquire information or clarification, showing a need or desire to understand more about a subject.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A proposal presented for acceptance or rejection
A request for information or investigation
Purpose
To propose a deal, agreement, or arrangement
To gain information, clarification, or understanding
Action
Giving, suggesting, proposing
Seeking, asking, investigating
Form in Linguistics
Uses imperatives or modal verbs expressing possibility
Employs interrogative forms, usually wh-questions or auxiliaries
Response Required
Acceptance, counteroffer, or rejection
Provision of information, explanation, or clarification
ADVERTISEMENT
Offer and Inquiry Definitions
Offer
Offer denotes proposing a possible deal or transaction.
The store is offering a significant discount on select items.
Inquiry
Inquiry denotes seeking to gain knowledge or understanding.
The scientist's inquiry led to a groundbreaking discovery.
Offer
Offer suggests making a bid or price proposition.
They offered a higher price to secure the contract.
Inquiry
Inquiry refers to a formal investigation.
The police are conducting an inquiry into the incident.
Offer
To present for acceptance or rejection; proffer
Offered me a drink.
Inquiry
Inquiry involves exploring or examining a subject to learn more about it.
The research project started with an inquiry into human behavior.
Offer
To put forward for consideration; propose
Offer an opinion.
Inquiry
Inquiry means asking a question to elicit information or clarification.
He sent an inquiry to the company regarding their return policy.
Offer
To present in order to meet a need or satisfy a requirement
Offered new statistics in order to facilitate the decision-making process.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring
Engaged in scientific inquiry.
Offer
To present as an act of worship
Offer a prayer.
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
Offer
To propose as payment; bid
Offered only half what I was asking for the car.
Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
Offer
To make available; afford
The situation offers us the opportunity to learn more.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
Offer
To present for sale
Those boots are being offered at half price.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
Offer
To provide; furnish
A hotel that offers conference facilities.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
He could no path nor track of foot descry,Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.
The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
Offer
To exhibit readiness or desire (to do something); volunteer
Offered to carry the packages.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.
All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.
Offer
To engage in; put up
Partisans who offered strong resistance to the invaders.
Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Offer
To threaten
Offered to leave without them if they didn't hurry.
Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Offer
To produce or introduce on the stage
The repertory group is offering two new plays this season.
Inquiry
A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
Offer
To present an offering in worship or devotion.
Inquiry
Inquiry is an act of asking for information.
I made an inquiry about the flight schedules.
Offer
To make an offer or proposal, especially of marriage.
Offer
To present itself
"This plan was dropped, because of its risk, and because a better offered" (T.E. Lawrence).
Offer
(Baseball) To swing at a pitch. Used of a batter.
Offer
The act of offering
An offer of assistance.
Offer
Something, such as a suggestion, proposal, bid, or recommendation, that is offered
Did you accept his offer for the car?.
Offer
(Law) A proposal that if accepted constitutes a legally binding contract.
Offer
The condition of being offered, especially for sale
Thousands of bushels of wheat on offer.
Offer
A proposal that has been made.
What's in his offer?
I decline your offer to contract.
Offer
Something put forth, bid, proffered or tendered.
His offer was $3.50 per share.
Offer
(legal) An invitation to enter into a binding contract communicated to another party which contains terms sufficiently definite to create an enforceable contract if the other party accepts the invitation.
His first letter was not a real offer, but an attempt to determine interest.
Offer
(used in combinations from phrasal verbs) agent noun of off
Offer
(intransitive) To propose or express one's willingness (to do something).
She offered to help with her homework.
Offer
(transitive) To present in words; to proffer; to make a proposal of; to suggest.
Everybody offered an opinion.
Offer
(transitive) To place at someone’s disposal; to present (something) to be either accepted or turned down.
He offered use of his car for the week.
He offered his good will for the Councilman's vote.
Offer
(transitive) To present (something) to God or gods as a gesture of worship, or for a sacrifice.
Offer
To place (something) in a position where it can be added to an existing mechanical assembly.
Offer
(transitive) To bid, as a price, reward, or wages.
I offered twenty dollars for it. The company is offering a salary of £30,000 a year.
Offer
(intransitive) To happen, to present itself.
Offer
(obsolete) To make an attempt; typically used with at.
Offer
(transitive) To put in opposition to; to manifest in an offensive or defensive way; to threaten.
To offer violence to somebody
The peasants offered no resistance as they were rounded up.
Offer
To present, as an act of worship; to immolate; to sacrifice; to present in prayer or devotion; - often with up.
Thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement.
A holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices.
Offer
To bring to or before; to hold out to; to present for acceptance or rejection; as, to offer a present, or a bribe; to offer one's self in marriage.
I offer thee three things.
Offer
To present in words; to proffer; to make a proposal of; to suggest; as, to offer an opinion. With the infinitive as an objective: To make an offer; to declare one's willingness; as, he offered to help me.
Offer
To attempt; to undertake.
All that offer to defend him.
Offer
To bid, as a price, reward, or wages; as, to offer a guinea for a ring; to offer a salary or reward.
Offer
To put in opposition to; to manifest in an offensive way; to threaten; as, to offer violence, attack, etc.
Offer
To present itself; to be at hand.
The occasion offers, and the youth complies.
Offer
To make an attempt; to make an essay or a trial; - used with at.
He would be offering at the shepherd's voice.
I will not offer at that I can not master.
Offer
The act of offering, bringing forward, proposing, or bidding; a proffer; a first advance.
Offer
That which is offered or brought forward; a proposal to be accepted or rejected; a sum offered; a bid.
When offers are disdained, and love denied.
Offer
Attempt; endeavor; essay; as, he made an offer to catch the ball.
Offer
The verbal act of offering;
A generous offer of assistance
Offer
Something offered (as a proposal or bid);
Noteworthy new offerings for investors included several index funds
Offer
A usually brief attempt;
He took a crack at it
I gave it a whirl
Offer
Make available or accessible, provide or furnish;
The conference center offers a health spa
The hotel offers private meeting rooms
Offer
Present for acceptance or rejection;
She offered us all a cold drink
Offer
Agree freely;
She volunteered to drive the old lady home
I offered to help with the dishes but the hostess would not hear of it
Offer
Put forward for consideration;
He offered his opinion
Offer
Offer verbally;
Extend my greetings
He offered his sympathy
Offer
Make available for sale;
The stores are offering specials on sweaters this week
Offer
Propose a payment;
The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting
Offer
Produce or introduce on the stage;
The Shakespeare Company is offering `King Lear' this month
Offer
Present as an act of worship;
Offer prayers to the gods
Offer
Mount or put up;
Put up a good fight
Offer resistance
Offer
Make available; provide;
Extend a loan
The bank offers a good deal on new mortgages
Offer
Ask (someone) to marry you;
He popped the question on Sunday night
She proposed marriage to the man she had known for only two months
The old bachelor finally declared himself to the young woman
Offer
Threaten to do something;
I offered to leave the committee if they did not accept my proposal
Offer
Offer means to present something for acceptance or rejection.
She made an offer on the house.
Offer
Offer refers to expressing a willingness to do something for someone.
He offered to help me with my luggage.
Offer
Offer is to put forth something to be considered.
The author offers some solutions to the problem in the last chapter.
FAQs
Can an offer involve suggesting a possible deal or transaction?
Yes, an offer can involve proposing a possible deal or transaction.
Is an offer a proposal for acceptance or rejection?
Yes, an offer is a proposal presented for acceptance or rejection.
Does an inquiry always involve a formal investigation?
No, an inquiry can be a casual question or a formal investigation.
Can offering to help someone be considered an offer?
Yes, offering to do something for someone is considered an offer.
Is an inquiry a request for information?
Yes, an inquiry is a request for information or investigation.
Does an offer always require a response?
Generally, an offer requires a response, like acceptance, counteroffer, or rejection.
Is presenting a suggestion for someone to consider an offer?
Yes, presenting a suggestion for someone to consider is making an offer.
Is proposing terms and conditions part of making an offer?
Yes, proposing specific terms and conditions is typically part of making an offer.
Is the purpose of an inquiry to gain understanding or clarification?
Yes, the purpose of an inquiry is to gain information, clarification, or understanding.
Is making a bid at an auction considered an offer?
Yes, making a bid at an auction is considered an offer.
Can an inquiry be casual or formal?
Yes, an inquiry can be either casual or formal depending on the context.
Can an inquiry be made by asking a question?
Yes, an inquiry can be made by asking a question to elicit information or clarification.
Can an offer be made by a store giving a discount on items?
Yes, a store can make an offer by giving a discount on items.
Can an inquiry lead to gaining new knowledge?
Yes, an inquiry can lead to gaining new knowledge or understanding.
Is an inquiry only related to scientific research?
No, an inquiry can be related to any field where information or clarification is sought.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
