investigate something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigate something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of examining or inquiring into a particular issue, situation, or subject to uncover information or facts. Example: "The detective was assigned to investigate something suspicious that had occurred in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

If somebody wants to investigate something, do it.

The New York Times - Sports

Because as we investigate something we come to understand it.

The New York Times

When you are told you can't investigate something, of course you want to investigate it".

The Guardian

"For example, you can't really investigate something like cosmetics products using those methods.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There was always another room I could sneak into and start a conversation or investigate something".

The New York Times

But sometimes examiners investigate something that the parties might have compromised on in the course of negotiating a plan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He did it by holding an investigative hearing that actually investigated something.

Huffington Post

There are two types of found footage horror: an investigation film, where two or more people film themselves while investigating something strange and pay the consequences, and an "accident" film, where someone is filming themselves and it all goes hideously wrong.

WikiHow

We were investigating something very seriously.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm investigating something we don't think about when we go to the deli," she said.

The New York Times

The first occurred in 1898 when German chemist Hans von Pechmann, while investigating something quite different, noticed a waxy substance at the bottom of his tubes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigate something", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being investigated. Being specific enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "investigate something" in casual conversations can sound overly formal. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "check something out" or "look into it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigate something" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It indicates the action of conducting a systematic or formal inquiry into a particular matter. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly appears in sentences describing an examination of an issue or event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "investigate something" is grammatically sound and commonly used in English to describe the action of conducting a systematic or formal inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, indicating a wide range of applications. While it is appropriate for formal and neutral settings, it is also important to consider more casual alternatives such as "look into it" or "check something out" in informal situations. Remember to be specific about what you're investigating to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Examine a matter

Replaces "investigate" with "examine" and "something" with "a matter", focusing on a specific issue.

Look into a situation

Uses "look into" instead of "investigate" and "situation" instead of "something", implying a less formal inquiry.

Explore an issue

Replaces "investigate" with "explore" and "something" with "an issue", suggesting a broader and more open-ended inquiry.

Research a topic

Uses "research" instead of "investigate" and "topic" instead of "something", implying a systematic study.

Analyze a problem

Replaces "investigate" with "analyze" and "something" with "a problem", suggesting a focus on understanding the components of the issue.

Scrutinize an event

Uses "scrutinize" instead of "investigate" and "event" instead of "something", implying a careful and critical examination.

Inquire into an incident

Replaces "investigate" with "inquire into" and "something" with "an incident", suggesting a formal investigation.

Probe a case

Uses "probe" instead of "investigate" and "case" instead of "something", often used in legal or criminal contexts.

Delve into a mystery

Replaces "investigate" with "delve into" and "something" with "a mystery", suggesting a deep and thorough exploration of something unknown.

Check out a claim

Uses "check out" instead of "investigate" and "claim" instead of "something", implying a verification or validation process.

FAQs

How can I use "investigate something" in a sentence?

You can use "investigate something" to describe the act of examining or inquiring into a particular issue, situation, or subject. For example, "The police decided to investigate something suspicious that had occurred in the neighborhood".

What are some alternatives to "investigate something"?

You can use alternatives such as "examine a matter", "look into a situation", or "explore an issue" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "investigate something"?

"Investigate something" is appropriate in formal contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, or professional settings, when referring to a formal or systematic inquiry. In informal contexts, you can prefer using alternatives with similar meaning but less formal usage.

What is the difference between "investigate something" and "check something out"?

"Investigate something" implies a more thorough and systematic inquiry, whereas "check something out" suggests a more casual or preliminary examination. For example, a detective might "investigate something", while a friend might "check something out".