Words out for the overworked: Auxiliary & Ancillary

by Charles Gonzales Gagui - CleVer Vibration

Photo: Cujo_Gone_Mad

I came about these terms when I was asked to proof-read a material document. There I saw the word ‘ancillary’, I then crossed it out and put in the word auxiliary above it, thinking it was a typographical error.

Generally, auxiliary and ancillary can be used interchangeably and their meaning are sometimes blurred. They both can be used when you are talking about help, support, optional subsidiary equipment.

I believe the only difference is that


The word auxiliary is used when talking about supplementary support or extra support independent to the main equipment.

Use auxiliary in a sentence:

• The junction box is part of the terminal box and it is termed as auxiliary terminal box.
• All manual shutdown switches shall have auxiliary normally closed contacts wired to the DCS to provide verification of manual ESD switch operation.

The word ancillary is used when talking about additional support or immediate support to the main equipment.

Use ancillary in a sentence:

• We need to have solid objectives to further achieve ancillary goals.
• They will be merely ancillary to our activities.

It is worth noting that auxiliary comes from auxilium meaning help and ancillary comes from the Latin ancilla meaning maid. 

Making them synonyms.

Words out for the overworked: Inquiry & Enquiry

by Charles Gonzales Gagui - CleVer Vibration

Photo: Benjamin Reay

As a Filipino, I am heavily influenced by the US.

So when I encounter the word enquiry, I usually consider it as a misspelled word of inquiry. 

Generally, most Asian countries favors ‘i’ and enquiry was kept regarded as a typographical error.

In the UK, there is also a difficulty of distinction between enquiry and inquiry. And they say it’s still developing.

Both ‘enquiry’ and ‘inquiry’ are used in British English.


The word inquiry is used to make a formal investigation.

Use Inquiry in a sentence:

• We need to conduct an inquiry to make a recommendation.
• Each inquiry has strict procedures to follow.

The word enquiry is used to question, request for information or to look into.

Use Enquiry in a sentence:

• I would like to enquire more on your product.
• Our Sales team will be delighted to discuss all your enquiries.

Nonetheless, there is close commonality in characteristics and sometimes we can use either of the two in the same  context.