are investigating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are investigating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an ongoing inquiry or examination into a particular matter or situation. Example: "The authorities are investigating the recent incidents to determine the cause of the disturbances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Deputies are investigating.

The New York Times

"We are investigating aggressively".

The New York Times

Italian prosecutors are investigating.

The New York Times

French prosecutors are investigating.

The New York Times

They are investigating.

The New York Times

The states are investigating.

The New York Times - Magazine

State officials are investigating.

The New York Times

Commanders are investigating.

The New York Times

Detectives are investigating.

The New York Times

Police are investigating.

The New York Times

Magistrates are investigating the collapse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are investigating", ensure the context clearly indicates who is conducting the investigation and what the subject of the investigation is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are investigating" in a passive voice construction (e.g., "the matter is being investigated"). Instead, specify who is doing the investigating to make the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are investigating" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It indicates an ongoing action of inquiring into or examining something to discover and examine the facts and details of an incident, allegation, etc. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are investigating" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that signifies an ongoing process of inquiry or examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news reports and official statements. While neutral in register, it's crucial to use the phrase with clear context about who is investigating and what they are investigating. Alternatives such as "are looking into" or "are examining" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to avoid passive voice constructions for clearer and more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are looking into

Uses a more informal phrasal verb with similar meaning.

are examining

Employs a slightly more formal and detailed approach to scrutiny.

are probing

Suggests a more in-depth and potentially sensitive inquiry.

are inquiring into

Presents a more formal and thorough approach to asking questions.

are conducting an inquiry into

Replaces the verb with a more detailed noun phrase.

are carrying out an investigation of

Uses a more elaborate and formal phrasing.

are undertaking a study of

Suggests a more formal and academic approach.

are delving into

Implies a more profound and detailed exploration.

are checking out

Offers a more casual and less formal way to describe the investigation.

are reviewing

Implies a systematic assessment or re-evaluation.

FAQs

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

Use "are investigating" to describe an ongoing inquiry or examination. For example, "The police "are investigating" the crime scene".

What's the difference between "are investigating" and "are examining"?

"Are investigating" implies a broader inquiry to uncover facts, while "are examining" suggests a closer, more detailed inspection.

What can I say instead of "are investigating"?

You can use alternatives like "are looking into", "are examining", or "are probing" depending on the context.

Is "are investigating about" grammatically correct?

No, "are investigating about" is redundant. The correct phrase is "are investigating". For example, "They "are investigating" the cause of the accident."