an investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

"an investigation" can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a formal study or inquiry into a certain matter. For example: "The police launched an investigation into the cause of the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He promised an investigation.

The New York Times

That test is an "investigation".

The New Yorker

The president ordered an investigation.

The Economist

So is there an investigation?

The New York Times

"We have launched an investigation.

Independent

NATO has promised an investigation.

The New York Times

Scotland Yard launched an investigation.

The New Yorker

There wasn't an investigation.

The Guardian

It's just an investigation".

The New York Times - Sports

We need an investigation".

The New York Times

There was an investigation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about an investigation, specify its scope and objectives to provide clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid phrasing such as "An investigation was conducted" without specifying who is conducting it. Active voice (e.g., "The police conducted "an investigation"") makes your writing more direct and accountable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an investigation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies the act or process of systematically examining or inquiring into something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an investigation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase denoting a systematic inquiry or examination. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it also surfaces in scientific and formal business writing. To enhance clarity, specify the scope and objectives of the investigation. Avoid passive voice to maintain a direct, accountable tone. For variations, consider alternatives like "a probe" or "an inquiry", depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inquiry

Substitutes "investigation" with a formal synonym, emphasizing the act of asking questions and seeking information.

an examination

Replaces "investigation" with a term that stresses a detailed inspection or analysis.

a probe

Replaces "investigation" with a shorter, more direct synonym that suggests a thorough examination.

a review

Replaces "investigation" with a term that implies a critical assessment or evaluation of something.

a study

Offers a more academic or research-oriented alternative to "investigation".

a fact-finding mission

Emphasizes the gathering of information and evidence as the primary goal.

a forensic analysis

Implies a scientific and detailed investigation, typically in legal contexts.

a disciplinary proceeding

Specifically refers to an investigation related to misconduct or rule violations.

a preliminary assessment

Suggests an initial evaluation to determine if a more thorough investigation is needed.

a root cause analysis

Focuses on identifying the fundamental reasons behind a problem or issue.

FAQs

How to use "an investigation" in a sentence?

You can use "an investigation" to describe the process of systematically examining something. For instance, "The company launched "an investigation" into the data breach" or "The police are conducting "an investigation" into the incident".

What can I say instead of "an investigation"?

You can use alternatives like "a probe", "an inquiry", or "a review" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an investigation" or "a investigation"?

"An investigation" is correct because 'investigation' starts with a vowel sound. The article 'an' is used before vowel sounds, while 'a' is used before consonant sounds.

What's the difference between "an investigation" and "an inquiry"?

While both terms refer to a systematic examination, "an investigation" often implies a more formal or official process, potentially involving law enforcement or regulatory bodies. "An inquiry", on the other hand, can be less formal and more focused on gathering information.