investigating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "investigating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about looking into something in order to discover more information. For example: The police are currently investigating the burglary that took place last night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Investigators had said they were investigating various theories, including Islamic extremism and a feud between opposition leaders.

The Guardian

Police are still investigating threats to kill Hall, reportedly linked to his decision to axe Clarkson.

The Guardian

Prosecutors are investigating the case.

The New York Times

They are investigating.

The New York Times

Police are investigating complaints from four campaigners who say they felt intimidated by covert officers who tried to recruit them as informants.

The Guardian

Steve Brickell, the police coroner's officer, said: "On behalf of the coroner we are investigating this woman's death and I am keen to speak to witnesses to the incident and more importantly the cyclist involved.

The Guardian

He also denies giving the Ukip candidate the anti-Labour leaflet, though the Conservative party admits that the leaflet came from somebody working in the constituency's Conservative campaign and said they were investigating.

The Guardian

This year police in India have begun investigating allegations of spot fixing in the Indian Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

Bowen police told Guardian Australia the theft had not been reported to them so they were not investigating.

The Guardian

Acting with seeming impunity and military precision, the extremists oversaw an organised campaign that targeted dark-skinned immigrants, leftist opponents and gay people, according to state prosecutors, who spent 15 months investigating the openly xenophobic, antisemitic and homophobic group.

The Guardian

The questioning by Australian police comes as the US Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed it is investigating the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "investigating" suggests a process of systematic inquiry. Confirm that the methods used align with this implication.

Common error

Avoid using "investigating" excessively in passive voice constructions. Instead of saying "the matter is being investigated", opt for active voice like "the police are investigating the matter" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "investigating" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "They are investigating") or as a gerund acting as a noun. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "investigating" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, denoting the action of carrying out a systematic inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its frequent use across varied contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overuse in passive constructions for clearer communication. Alternatives like "looking into" or "examining" can provide nuance depending on the specific inquiry's nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking into

Focuses on a preliminary examination or inquiry.

inquiring into

Emphasizes a formal or official examination.

examining

Highlights a detailed and careful inspection.

probing

Suggests a deep and thorough investigation, often into sensitive matters.

exploring

Implies a broad and open-ended inquiry.

researching

Indicates a systematic and scholarly inquiry.

scrutinizing

Highlights a critical and detailed examination.

delving into

Suggests a deep and thorough exploration of a topic.

undertaking an inquiry

Emphasizes the formal process of investigation.

conducting a study on

Focuses on a scientific or academic approach to investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "investigating" in a sentence?

You can use "investigating" to describe the act of examining something in detail. For example, "The detectives are investigating the crime scene" or "Researchers are investigating the effects of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "investigating"?

You can use alternatives such as "looking into", "examining", or "researching" depending on the specific context.

Is "investigating" formal or informal?

"Investigating" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the level of formality also depends on the surrounding language and the audience.

How does "investigating" differ from "examining"?

"Investigating" implies a more thorough and systematic inquiry, often involving multiple steps or procedures. "Examining", on the other hand, suggests a more general and less structured inspection or review.