I would like to inquire about

You usually follow this phrase with a noun or a noun phrase. For example, I would like to inquire about the price. It works beautifully at the start of an email. It also works well when you call a business for the first time. It sets a serious, organized tone immediately. Just remember to keep your voice steady and calm when saying it. It’s a phrase that carries a bit of weight and authority.

Use this when dealing with banks, hotels, or potential employers. It is perfect for customer service situations where you want to be taken seriously. If you are writing a formal letter, this is your best friend. It also works at high-end restaurants or when visiting a museum. Basically, use it whenever you are the 'customer' or the 'applicant' in a formal setting.

Don't use this with your best friend while grabbing pizza. I would like to inquire about your pepperoni sounds like you are a robot trying to blend in. Avoid it in casual group chats or relaxed family dinners. It is too stiff for people who know your middle name. Also, don't use it if you are angry; it can sound accidentally sarcastic or passive-aggressive if your tone is sharp.

English speakers often use 'indirectness' to show politeness. In many Western cultures, asking a direct question like 'How much is this?' can feel a bit blunt. By adding I would like to, you create a 'buffer' of politeness. This tradition comes from old-school business etiquette where being too direct was seen as aggressive. Today, it’s the standard for professional 'first contact' globally.

You might hear I am writing to inquire about in emails. On the phone, people often say I’m calling to inquire about. In slightly less formal settings, you can use I’d like to ask about. For very high-level situations, some might say I wish to make an inquiry regarding, but that is the 'final boss' of formality and rarely needed.