complex investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex investigation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a detailed and intricate examination or inquiry into a particular subject or issue. Example: "The police launched a complex investigation into the series of burglaries that had occurred in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The prosecutor, Sue Hemming, emphasized that investigators were at "the very early stages of a complex investigation," and described the inquiry to date as only the "tip of the iceberg".

The New York Times

"It's going to be a complex investigation".

The New York Times

The safety board said its "very complex investigation" would continue.

The New York Times

"We are faced with a complex investigation with many international implications.

The Guardian - Sport

Doubts linger that it is well enough resourced to oversee such a sensitive and complex investigation.

The Guardian - Opinion

A spokesman said: "This inquiry remains open and has been a particularly complex investigation.

Independent

Far from "bureaucratic bungling," this complex investigation represents a case study in cooperation between the scientific community and government agencies.

The New York Times

Lauber said that the "huge and complex" investigation was likely to take months and some elements could take years.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are pleased that the commission has successfully completed this long and complex investigation," a Pepsi spokesman, Dick Detwiler, said.

The New York Times

"But we did say at the time that it was an ongoing, complex investigation and that we wouldn't give up.

The Guardian

Mr Maillaud insisted that the "very complex" investigation was not "stuck" and had made some progress recently.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an investigation, be specific about what makes it "complex". Is it the number of involved parties, the intricate details, the international implications, or the need for specialized expertise? Provide context to justify the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "complex investigation" as a generic descriptor. Instead of simply labeling an investigation as complex, explain the specific elements that contribute to its complexity. This adds credibility and informs the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex investigation" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies the noun "investigation". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used to describe a detailed inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complex investigation" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that effectively conveys the intricate and demanding nature of an inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the analyzed examples showcase its frequent application in various domains, particularly news and media, science and formal business settings. While alternatives like "intricate inquiry" or "detailed examination" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuances you want to emphasize. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context to justify the claim of complexity, avoiding generic or unsubstantiated assertions. Due to its high usage, "complex investigation" is a valuable tool for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated inquiry

Uses a direct synonym for "complex" while maintaining the original structure.

intricate inquiry

Replaces "investigation" with "inquiry" and "complex" with "intricate", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the investigation.

multifaceted investigation

Highlights the numerous aspects and dimensions involved in the investigation.

detailed examination

Focuses on the thorough and in-depth aspect of the investigation, replacing "complex" with "detailed".

exhaustive inquiry

Stresses the comprehensive and complete nature of the investigation, leaving no stone unturned.

thorough probe

Similar to "detailed examination", but uses "probe" to suggest a more exploratory investigation.

in-depth analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect of the investigation, focusing on understanding the underlying causes or factors.

wide-ranging probe

Similar to "extensive study", emphasizing the breadth of the investigation.

extensive study

Suggests a broader, more comprehensive investigation that covers a wide range of factors.

far-reaching inquiry

Emphasizes the broad scope and impact of the investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "complex investigation" in a sentence?

You can use "complex investigation" to describe inquiries involving many interconnected elements, requiring significant time and resources. For example, "The police launched a "complex investigation" into the alleged fraud scheme".

What are some alternatives to "complex investigation"?

Alternatives include "intricate inquiry", "detailed examination", or "thorough probe". The best choice depends on the specific aspect of the investigation you want to emphasize.

What makes an investigation "complex"?

An investigation might be considered "complex" due to factors such as numerous involved parties, international implications, intricate details, the need for specialized expertise, or a large volume of data to analyze.

Is it always necessary to describe an investigation as "complex"?

No, only use "complex investigation" if the investigation genuinely involves a high degree of intricacy and difficulty. If the investigation is relatively straightforward, a simpler term like "inquiry" or "examination" may be more appropriate.