investigate why

USAGE SUMMARY

"investigate why" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English! It's often used when asking a question of inquiry - for example, you might say "Let's investigate why the store's sales dropped so drastically last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, investigate why the cylinder might be shedding weight.

The New York Times

Thus he sets out for Beijing and Shanghai to investigate why youth football is catching on.

The New Yorker

"They went to investigate why the car was there and it blew up," he said.

The New York Times

Jarvis Cocker and Peter Gabriel will help investigate why birds sing for a new BBC documentary.

The Guardian

Police said they planned to investigate "why [Autopilot] did not work".

The Guardian - Tech

The engineers also have to investigate why the Spirit's left middle wheel has stalled.

The New York Times - Science

The researchers also want to investigate why people sometimes display food cravings when they are sick.

The Guardian

The point is not to investigate why the universe is "made of matter and antimatter".

The New York Times

The study did not investigate why people said they felt lonely, Dr. Perissinotto added.

The New York Times

Shouldn't we then investigate why those Americans who reach age 85 enjoy such exceptional longevity?

The New York Times

Keir Starmer will investigate why the CPS took the decision not to prosecute over allegations in 2009.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigate why", ensure that the object of your investigation is clearly defined. This helps maintain clarity and focus in your writing.

Common error

While "investigate why" is grammatically correct, overusing it in casual conversations can make your speech sound overly formal. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "find out why" or "see why" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigate why" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces a clause expressing the purpose of an inquiry or examination. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "investigate why" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce an inquiry into the reasons behind something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When using the phrase, make sure to clarify the object of investigation to maintain focus. While versatile, avoid overusing in very casual settings, where phrases like "find out why" might be more appropriate. In essence, "investigate why" serves as a robust tool for initiating exploration and understanding in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine the reasons for

Focuses on the reasons behind something, implying a more in-depth analysis.

explore the causes of

Suggests a broader and more open-ended inquiry into the origins of an event or situation.

determine the grounds for

Emphasizes establishing a firm basis or justification for something.

look into the circumstances surrounding

Focuses on the context and specific details of a situation.

research the rationale behind

Highlights the logical or philosophical basis for a decision or action.

analyze the factors contributing to

Emphasizes a detailed breakdown of the various elements that lead to a specific outcome.

delve into the origins of

Implies a deeper and more thorough exploration of the beginnings of something.

ascertain the motives for

Focuses specifically on uncovering the underlying motivations of individuals or groups.

study the whys and wherefores of

Uses a more informal and comprehensive approach to understanding the reasons and causes.

consider the explanation for

Suggests weighing different possible reasons or justifications.

FAQs

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

You can use "investigate why" to introduce a question or topic of inquiry, such as, "The authorities will "investigate why" the bridge collapsed."

What are some alternative phrases for "investigate why"?

Alternatives include phrases like "examine the reasons for", "explore the causes of", or "determine the grounds for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "investigate why" or "find out why"?

"Investigate why" is generally considered more formal than "find out why". Use "investigate why" in professional or academic contexts, and "find out why" in more casual settings.

When is it appropriate to use "investigate why" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "investigate why" in formal writing, research reports, news articles, and any situation where a thorough and systematic inquiry is being described.