investigated the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigated the problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of examining or analyzing an issue to understand it better or find a solution. Example: "The team investigated the problem thoroughly before proposing a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Col. William S. Leister informed Pentagon officials that investigators from the Air Force, General Atomics and Skurka had investigated the problem for more than a year.

The Washington Post

Pratt & Whitney, which makes the engines, investigated the problem with military experts.

The New York Times

"A historic opportunity was lost," he wrote, quoting Paul A. Volcker, a former chairman of the Federal Reserve who led an independent panel that investigated the problem.

The New York Times

He said he investigated the problem yesterday and learned staff members had mistakenly failed to add Griffith to an automatic renewal list for his bar license.

The Washington Post

Thus, it first investigated the problem and gathered the data necessary to make a business case not a moral or emotional one for change.

Harvard Business Review

Scholars have deeply investigated the problem and several theories have been proposed to face with it.

International Journal of Production Economics

We have first investigated the problem for enhancing network lifetime using homogeneous sensor nodes.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

The automaker investigated the problem and traced it to a decision to change the transmission oil cooler lines from steel to aluminum for the 2012 model year.

The New York Times

The Pentagon grounded all three versions of the jets — for the Air Force, the Navy and the Marines — on Thursday while it investigated the problem.

The New York Times

"They want this to be investigated, the problem is that what they are being offered gives them no guarantee of finding out anything," said Wistrich.

The Guardian

Last year, two all-male clubs voted to allow women, as the university investigated the problem of sexual assault and as other elite campuses in the north-east confronted their own fraternities and sororities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigated the problem", specify the methodology or tools used for clarity. For example, "The team investigated the problem using statistical analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "investigated the problem" without providing context about the problem's nature or the scope of the investigation. Be specific about what was investigated and what aspects were considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigated the problem" functions as a verb phrase, typically within a clause's predicate. It indicates an action taken to examine and understand an existing issue. Ludwig examples show it used in varied contexts, from scientific research to military failures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "investigated the problem" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in science, news and media, and formal business settings. The phrase is used to describe the act of examining an issue to find a cause or solution. While "investigated the problem" is generally suitable for various registers, it's important to provide context about the nature and scope of the investigation for clarity. Alternatives like "examined the issue" or "analyzed the situation" can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examined the issue

Focuses on a general review rather than a specific problem.

analyzed the situation

Emphasizes a deeper understanding of the circumstances rather than solely the issue.

looked into the matter

Suggests a preliminary inquiry, less formal than a full investigation.

researched the topic

Implies a study-based approach, often broader than a specific problem.

studied the case

Indicates a detailed and thorough examination of a particular instance.

assessed the challenge

Focuses on evaluating the difficulties posed by the problem.

explored the circumstances

Emphasizes a broad review of the related events and conditions.

delved into the question

Suggests a deep and thorough inquiry, focusing on a specific question within the problem.

probed the difficulty

Implies a careful and thorough inquiry to uncover the root cause.

sought to understand the dilemma

Highlights an effort to comprehend a difficult or perplexing situation.

FAQs

How can I use "investigated the problem" in a sentence?

You can use "investigated the problem" to describe the act of examining an issue to find a cause or solution. For example, "The engineers "investigated the problem" with the engine to determine the cause of the malfunction."

What are some alternatives to "investigated the problem"?

Alternatives include phrases like "examined the issue", "analyzed the situation", or "looked into the matter", depending on the context and depth of the inquiry.

Is "investigated the problem" formal or informal?

"Investigated the problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives, such as "researched the topic", might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "investigated the problem" and "solved the problem"?

"Investigated the problem" refers to the process of examining and inquiring into an issue, while "solved the problem" indicates that a resolution or solution has been found. Investigating is a step towards solving but does not guarantee it.