investigating a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigating a case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of examining or inquiring into a specific situation or incident, often in a legal or criminal context. Example: "The detective is currently investigating a case involving a series of burglaries in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"It's law enforcement investigating a case".

The New York Times

"We are investigating a case of culpable homicide," Malila said.

The Guardian

"We are investigating a case of kidnapping that happened on Sunday in Witbank.

The Guardian

The protagonist, Jojima (Show Aikawa), is a taciturn detective investigating a case that involves Japanese and Chinese drug dealers.

The New York Times

Paris prosecutors say they are investigating a case of "involuntary destruction by fire" and interviewing workers on the restoration project.

The Guardian

Gymnastics officials are investigating a case of possible age falsification involving a North Korean gymnast who listed three birth dates.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The law leaves the decision to investigate a case up to the Fish and Game Department.

The New York Times

For example, the prosecutor may investigate a case only when a national court is unable or unwilling to do so.

The New York Times

The Department of Homeland Security allows a young F.B.I. agent to investigate a case almost single-handedly that involves weapons of mass destruction.

The New York Times - Arts

Together they have to investigate a case – and maybe just learn something about themselves along the way.

The Guardian - Books

Shortly after I arrived there, I was given an assignment to investigate a case of corruption in Weimar.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or criminal matters, use "investigating a case" to convey the active process of gathering evidence and information. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "looking into a matter" or "examining a situation".

Common error

While "investigating a case" is widely accepted, be mindful of its formality. Overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing can sound unnatural. Choose simpler alternatives like "checking into" or "looking at" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigating a case" functions as a verb phrase followed by an article and a noun. It signifies the act of conducting a systematic or formal inquiry into a specific matter or incident. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "investigating a case" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe the process of inquiring into a specific situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is indeed correct. While versatile, its formal tone makes it most suitable for legal, professional, and news-related contexts. Alternatives like "looking into a matter" or "examining a situation" offer less formal options. The phrase sees frequent use in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conducting an inquiry

This phrase emphasizes the act of formally questioning or seeking information, often used in official or legal contexts.

looking into a matter

This alternative uses "matter" instead of "case" and "looking into" instead of "investigating", softening the tone.

examining a situation

This phrase replaces "investigating" with "examining", which implies a more detailed and careful inspection, and "case" with "situation", which refers to broader scenario.

probing an incident

This alternative uses "probing" to suggest a deeper, more intrusive investigation, and "incident" instead of "case" suggesting isolated occurrence.

inquiring into an affair

This phrase replaces "investigating" with "inquiring into", which suggests a formal inquiry, and "case" with "affair", indicating a complex or scandalous situation.

exploring a scenario

This alternative uses "exploring" suggesting a less structured approach and "scenario" instead of "case", implying hypothetical situation.

undertaking a study

This alternative suggests a more structured and systematic examination, typically used in academic or scientific research.

researching a subject

This alternative is a more general phrase that can apply to academic or scientific contexts where detailed research is involved rather than only police investigation.

handling a file

This alternative is often used in business or bureaucratic context where handling a case is simply managing related documents or activities.

working on a project

This alternative is applicable when the “case” is part of a long-term activity, like a construction or development. It’s the least close in meaning.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "investigating a case"?

Alternatives include "examining a situation", "looking into a matter", or "conducting an inquiry", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "investigating a case"?

Use "investigating a case" primarily in formal or official contexts, such as law enforcement, legal proceedings, or formal inquiries. In less formal situations, consider using synonyms like "looking into it".

How does "investigating a case" differ from "examining a situation"?

"Investigating a case" typically implies a formal inquiry into a specific incident, often with legal implications. "Examining a situation", on the other hand, is more general and can refer to any detailed inspection or analysis of a set of circumstances.

Is "investigating a case" considered formal language?

Yes, "investigating a case" is generally considered formal language. It's commonly used in professional, legal, or official contexts. For more casual settings, you might opt for phrases like "checking into something" or "looking into a problem".