investigate that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigate that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to look into or examine a specific issue or matter. Example: "Please investigate that matter further to ensure we have all the necessary information before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then I start to investigate that".

The New York Times - Science

The Brooklyn district attorney's office continues to investigate that accident.

The New York Times

Sure, Democrats may want to investigate that claim fully.

The New York Times

Intelligence agencies began collaborating to investigate that operation.

The New York Times

"I really wanted to investigate that moment in terms of my personality," he says.

The Guardian

Attorney General Janet Reno asked Mr. Starr to investigate that matter along with his other chores.

The New York Times

A caseworker was sent to investigate that day but found no one home.

The New York Times

I really did set out to kind of investigate that world".

The New York Times - Books

The objective of this study was to investigate that possibility.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

"At this point, the Justice Department is best equipped to investigate that central question and reach a fair conclusion".

The New York Times - Sports

Meryle Secrest has set out to investigate that contradiction in her new life of Rodgers, "Somewhere for Me".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigate that", ensure the context clearly defines what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "investigate that" is generally acceptable, consider using more casual alternatives like "look into that" in informal conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigate that" functions as a verb phrase with a demonstrative pronoun. It typically introduces a call to action, urging someone to inquire into or examine a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "investigate that" is a versatile phrase used to call for an inquiry or examination of a specific issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While appropriate for various contexts, it's essential to consider the level of formality and audience when choosing alternative phrases like "look into that". The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science, suggesting its widespread use in reporting and scholarly analysis. Ensure clarity by clearly defining what "that" refers to. Overall, "investigate that" is a reliable way to prompt further inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look into that

This alternative is more informal and implies a less rigorous examination.

examine that

This alternative suggests a more detailed and careful inspection.

explore that

This alternative emphasizes discovery and a more open-ended approach.

analyze that

This alternative implies a systematic and detailed examination, often involving data.

check that out

This alternative is very informal and often used in casual conversation.

scrutinize that

This alternative suggests a very critical and thorough examination, looking for flaws.

research that

This alternative suggests a systematic investigation, often for academic purposes.

delve into that

This alternative suggests a deep and thorough exploration of a topic.

study that

This alternative is more academic and implies a formal learning process.

assess that

This alternative implies evaluating the merit or importance of something.

FAQs

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

Use "investigate that" when you want to convey a need to inquire into or examine a specific issue, for example, "The authorities need to "investigate that" claim of fraud thoroughly".

What are some alternatives to "investigate that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "look into that", "examine that", or "check that out".

Is "investigate that" formal or informal?

"Investigate that" is generally considered neutral to formal. It can be used in professional or news contexts. In more casual settings, consider using "look into that".

What's the difference between "investigate that" and "research that"?

"Research that" implies a more systematic and academic approach, while "investigate that" suggests a more general inquiry or examination, possibly related to a specific incident or claim.