as an investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an investigation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something being conducted or considered in the context of an inquiry or examination. Example: "The committee approached the issue as an investigation into the underlying causes of the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said he would not describe the inquiry as an investigation.

The New York Times

Didion presented her article as an investigation into what she called "social hemorrhaging".

The New Yorker

More workers could lose their jobs as an investigation continues, Mr. Fenty said.

The New York Times

The book is therefore grandly billed as an "investigation" into modern romance.

The Guardian - Books

As an investigation got under way, a police spokesman said murder had not been ruled out.

The Guardian

He described it as "an investigation into the morality of deceit".

The Guardian

Grenville said the story had begun as an investigation into her family's history.

The Guardian

Valentino seems unfamiliar, I begin to realise, with the concept of an interview as an investigation of ideas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Police divers were carrying out a search of the river as an investigation was launched by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Guardian

Military leaders have properly put General Smith's transfer into that post on hold as an investigation continues.

The New York Times

Under German law, suspects can be held as an investigation proceeds, before they have been officially charged with a crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "in the context of an inquiry" or "as a study" to avoid redundancy if the term "investigation" has already been used frequently in your text.

Common error

Avoid using "as an investigation" vaguely. Always specify what the investigation pertains to. For example, instead of saying "The project was initiated as an investigation", specify "The project was initiated as an investigation into market trends".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an investigation" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the manner or purpose of an action, presenting it in the context of an inquiry or examination. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears in diverse contexts, each underscoring its role in framing activities as investigative in nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an investigation" is a versatile phrase used to frame actions and processes within the context of a systematic inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the subject of investigation is well-defined. While alternatives like "in the context of an inquiry" or "as a study" exist, "as an investigation" carries a nuance of structured examination. Whether in formal reports or general writing, "as an investigation" serves to signal a purposeful and methodical approach to understanding a particular subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a form of investigation

Indicates the activity is one type or kind of investigation.

in the manner of an investigation

Emphasizes the method or process being similar to a formal investigation.

considered an investigation

Highlights the perception or categorization of the activity as an investigation.

functioning as an investigation

Highlights the role or purpose the subject is serving, equivalent to an investigation.

acting as an investigation

Focuses on the action or behavior, suggesting something is performing the role of an investigation.

serving as an investigation

Similar to 'acting as', but emphasizes the service or purpose it provides.

by way of investigation

Highlights the path or method being used, indicating an investigative approach.

presented as an investigation

Emphasizes how something is portrayed or described, rather than its inherent nature.

under the guise of an investigation

Suggests the activity may not be a genuine investigation, but merely appears to be.

styled as an investigation

Focuses on the presentation or appearance of the activity, emphasizing its investigative style.

FAQs

How can I use "as an investigation" in a sentence?

Use "as an investigation" to describe the manner or purpose of an inquiry or examination. For example, "The study was conducted "as an investigation" into the effects of climate change".

What phrases are similar to "as an investigation"?

Similar phrases include "as a study", "in the context of an inquiry", or "functioning as an investigation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as an investigation" in formal writing?

Yes, "as an investigation" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. However, ensure the context is clear and the phrase accurately reflects the intent of inquiry or examination.

How does "as an investigation" differ from "as an inquiry"?

"As an investigation" typically implies a more structured or formal examination compared to "as an inquiry". While both involve seeking information, an investigation often suggests a more systematic and thorough approach.