have been looking into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been looking into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an ongoing investigation or inquiry into a particular subject or issue. Example: "We have been looking into the recent changes in the market trends to better understand their impact on our business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We have been looking into salesforce.com.com

The New York Times

Cornell researchers have been looking into a receptor called P2X7, which binds a molecule called ATP.

Cornell University

Oldstone and two other researchers have been looking into cytokine storms for more than five years.

The Washington Post

Mr. Williams said he believed the United States should have been looking into imports long ago.

The New York Times

Federal officials have been looking into potential malfeasance here for at least two months.

The New York Times

We have been looking into a combination of a wood pellet boiler and thermal solar panels.

The Guardian

Fact-finding committees and the US Senate have been looking into his methods.

The New York Times

American officials have been looking into Holy Land since the mid-90's.

The New York Times

Federal regulators have been looking into the marketing practices of the Charles Schwab bond fund for well over a year.

The New York Times

Federal regulators have been looking into loan servicing problems for some months before the recent freezes by the big lenders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So I've been looking into the question.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "have been looking into" in contexts that require a more decisive or conclusive tone; opt for terms like "investigated" or "determined" instead.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, avoid using "have been looking into" in formal reports or academic papers. Use stronger verbs like "investigated", "analyzed", or "researched" to convey a sense of thoroughness and completion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been looking into" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing investigation or examination. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from business to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been looking into" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an ongoing investigation or examination. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and business settings, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific academic or professional writing scenarios. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been investigating

Replaces "looking into" with a more formal term, emphasizing a structured inquiry.

have been examining

Similar to "investigating" but can imply a more detailed or clinical analysis.

have been researching

Highlights a systematic and scientific approach to finding information.

have been exploring

Suggests a less formal, more exploratory approach to understanding something.

have been analyzing

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components to understand it better.

have been studying

Indicates a focus on academic or formal learning about a topic.

have been delving into

Implies a deep and thorough exploration of a topic.

have been inquiring about

Suggests asking questions and seeking information from others.

have been considering

Implies thinking about a particular matter, often as a preliminary step before taking action.

have been checking out

A more informal way to say "looking into", suggesting a casual inspection.

FAQs

What does "have been looking into" mean?

The phrase "have been looking into" means to be investigating or examining something to learn more about it. It implies an ongoing process of inquiry.

How can I use "have been looking into" in a sentence?

You can use "have been looking into" to describe an ongoing investigation. For example, "The authorities "have been looking into" what preceded the attack" or "We "have been looking into" salesforce.com.com".

What can I say instead of "have been looking into"?

You can use alternatives like "have been investigating", "have been examining", or "have been researching" depending on the context.

Is "have been looking into" formal or informal?

The phrase "have been looking into" is generally considered neutral. While acceptable in most contexts, using more formal terms like "have been investigating" might be preferable for academic or professional writing.