I started investigating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started investigating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you began the process of examining or researching something. Example: "After noticing the discrepancies in the report, I started investigating the source of the errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

So I started investigating how to create that bridge.

The New York Times

As soon as I left, I started investigating other kinds of work.

The New York Times

"When I started investigating, I was completely unaware that such a series might exist.

The Guardian - Books

Two years ago, when I started investigating the sprawling prosecution of Turkey's military and political leaders — known as the Ergenekon case — someone pointed me to Emin Şirin.

The New Yorker

"I started investigating the wires and the prongs and I thought, 'I can do this,"' recalled Mrs. Karjala, who is 88.

The New York Times - Tech

By Dexter Filkins August 13, 2013 Two years ago, when I started investigating the sprawling prosecution of Turkey's military and political leaders — known as the Ergenekon case — someone pointed me to Emin Şirin.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I found out my mother was born in Cardiff, so I've started investigating over the last year".

The Guardian - Music

When I first started investigating murders and killings of disabled people in Britain, back in 2007, I found case after case where disabled men were accused of sexual crimes – always, I stress, wrongly – and then subjected to the violence of the lynch mob.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I first started investigating this epidemic, it was a story about a single sugar plantation in Nicaragua.

The New York Times

I then started investigating the black arts of video transcoding.

TechCrunch

It wasn't until I got permission to film and started investigating that I realized what I had gotten myself into.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started investigating", ensure the context clearly indicates what you began investigating and why. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences like "I started investigating." Always specify what you are investigating to provide context and meaning. For example, say "I started investigating the company's finances" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started investigating" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an investigative action. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples show that it commonly introduces a narrative of inquiry or research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started investigating" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to signal the beginning of an inquiry or research process. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a neutral tone. When using the phrase, clarity is key: always specify the object of your investigation to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "I began looking into" or "I commenced researching" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. Ultimately, "I started investigating" serves as a direct and effective way to introduce an account of exploration and discovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began looking into

Emphasizes the initial stage of examining something, often with a less formal connotation than "investigating".

I commenced researching

Highlights a more formal and systematic approach to gathering information.

I initiated an inquiry

Suggests a formal or official examination into a particular matter.

I undertook an examination

Implies a thorough and detailed review of something.

I delved into

Indicates a deep and immersive exploration of a topic.

I set about exploring

Highlights the act of starting a journey to discover or learn about something.

I turned my attention to

Shifts the focus to a new area of study or concern.

I started to probe

Suggests a more direct and perhaps intrusive form of inquiry.

I launched an assessment

Indicates a formal evaluation or judgment is beginning.

I took up the study of

Emphasizes the act of committing to a longer-term examination.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I started investigating"?

You can use alternatives like "I began looking into", "I commenced researching", or "I initiated an inquiry" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "I started investigating" in a sentence?

Use "I started investigating" to introduce the beginning of your research or inquiry into a subject. For example, "After noticing discrepancies, I started investigating the data further."

What's the difference between "I started investigating" and "I began to investigate"?

The difference is subtle. "I started investigating" implies a more immediate commencement of the inquiry, while "I began to investigate" can suggest a slightly more gradual or planned start. Both are generally interchangeable.

Is "I started investigating about" grammatically correct?

No, "I started investigating about [something]" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage is "I started investigating [something]" without the preposition "about".