i investigate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I investigate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of examining or inquiring into a subject or situation, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "As a journalist, I investigate various social issues to uncover the truth behind the stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Results allow to: (i) investigate the performance of the barriers in service condition; (ii) provide an estimate of the barrier capacity and (iii) explore the barrier failure mode.

Engineering Structures

To: (i) investigate the development of smoking and snus use among Norwegian adolescents, and (ii) describe the users in each group.

Addiction

Did I investigate the federal government?

The Guardian

I investigate a memorial in the form of a more traditional grave.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Abject, I investigate its dereliction, wandering through damp and fetid corridors.

The New York Times

I investigate highland games in Germany and Scottish clubs in eastern Europe.

The Guardian

I wouldn't want to lose one offer while I investigate others.

The Guardian

Did I investigate camps in which Serbian prisoners had been detained?

The Guardian

It is while chopping onions and crushing garlic that I investigate high-level corruption and human rights abuses in Angola.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hellbent on working the phrase "doolally for Mullally" into my piece, I investigate a geometric concrete building nearby.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Through the testimonies of 10 "sertanistas" and two indigenous leaders, I investigate the violence against indigenous peoples during the dictatorship - 1964-1985 - that affects contemporary territorial struggles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I investigate", ensure the context clearly defines the subject of your investigation. Be specific about what you are examining or inquiring into.

Common error

Avoid using "I investigate" in overly casual or informal settings. Opt for alternatives like "I'm checking out" or "I'm looking into" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I investigate" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker (I) is the subject, and the verb investigate indicates the action they are performing. The phrase declares an intention or current activity of examining something systematically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I investigate" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, according to Ludwig, indicating a formal or systematic inquiry. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it conveys a sense of thoroughness and purpose. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings and should be avoided in overly casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "I am researching" or "I am examining" to fine-tune your tone and context. Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication across various writing scenarios. Furthermore, this expression must always be used to present a reasoned approach to scrutinizing some kind of subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am examining

Focuses on a detailed inspection or analysis of something.

I am researching

Emphasizes the systematic study and gathering of information.

I am analyzing

Highlights the process of breaking down a subject into its components for closer scrutiny.

I am exploring

Suggests a more open-ended and less structured approach to inquiry.

I am studying

Implies a formal or academic approach to learning about something.

I am delving into

Implies a deep and thorough exploration of a topic.

I am inquiring into

Suggests a formal or official investigation.

I am probing

Suggests a careful and thorough investigation to uncover hidden information.

I am scrutinizing

Highlights a very careful and critical examination.

I am checking out

Suggests a casual or informal investigation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I investigate"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I am researching", "I am examining", or "I am analyzing".

How does the formality of "I investigate" compare to similar phrases?

"I investigate" is generally more formal than phrases like "I'm looking into" or "I'm checking out". It's suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts.

In what situations is it best to use "I investigate"?

Use "I investigate" when you want to convey a sense of thoroughness, formality, and systematic inquiry, especially in writing for academic, scientific, or professional audiences. It is suitable when used in formal contexts, as showed by Ludwig.

What is the difference between "I investigate" and "I am researching"?

While both imply inquiry, "I investigate" suggests a more specific, focused examination, while "I am researching" often indicates a broader, more comprehensive study.