acquire, require, inquire

这几个单词的发音和拼写都很相似，容易混淆。用法如下：

1. acquire的意思是“经过自己的努力获得，习得”。如：

Where possible, they tried to acquire colonies. 只要可能，他们就设法取得殖民地。

The skill of speaking a foreign language takes time to acquire. 讲一种外国语的能力需要花很长时间才能获得。

Had I been less forthright, I would have acquired more support. 要是我不那么直率，我还可能得到更大的支持。

2. require的意思是“要求”。如：

All plants require water. 所有植物都需要水分。

The idea that everyone should be required to vote by law is something I don’t agree with. 主张由法律规定每个人都要投票的意见是我所不能赞同的。

Candidates are required to present themselves fifteen minutes before the examination begins. 考生应于考试前15分钟到达考场。

At the university, they require an examination for all entering freshmen. 在大学里，他们要求对入学新生进行一次考试(www.yywords.com)。

3. inquire的意思是“调查，询问，打听”。如：

He inquired of her whether she was warm enough. 他问她够不够暖。

Might I inquire if you are the owner? 我可否问一句你是不是老板?

She inquired how we are getting on. 她问我们情况怎样。

The doctor inquired what had occurred. 医生问发生了什么事。

I inquired his reason for coming. 我问他来的理由。

She inquired about my brother. 她打听我哥哥的情况。

She inquired why he had not thought of this before. 她问他以前为什么没想到这一点。