investigating this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigating this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of examining or looking into a specific issue or topic. Example: "The team is currently investigating this matter to find a suitable solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are currently investigating this.

The Guardian

No one is investigating this".

The Guardian

We are urgently investigating this breach.

The Guardian

How do you set out investigating this?

The New Yorker

The Metropolitan police are investigating this claim.

The Guardian

I think it's perfectly appropriate that they're investigating this".

The New York Times

It used to be students investigating this "new" food source.

The Guardian - Travel

They are currently investigating this," Assange's lawyer said.

The Guardian

The State Department is currently investigating this conflict of interest.

The New Yorker

The Manhattan district attorney is investigating this latest shooting.

The New York Times

"We are investigating this incident further," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigating this", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can be avoided by explicitly stating the subject of the investigation.

Common error

While "investigating this" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "looking into this" or "checking this out" for a more natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigating this" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates an ongoing process of examination and inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "investigating this" is a frequently used gerund phrase that indicates the action of examining or inquiring into a specific matter. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and appears most often in news and scientific contexts. While versatile, it tends to be more formal than alternatives like "looking into this". When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that "this" clearly refers to the subject of investigation to avoid ambiguity. Keep in mind that more casual alternatives might be preferred in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking into this

This alternative uses a more common and informal phrasal verb.

examining this

This alternative provides a more formal and direct synonym for investigating.

exploring this

This alternative suggests a more in-depth and exploratory approach.

analyzing this

This alternative emphasizes a detailed and systematic examination.

researching this

This alternative focuses on a systematic inquiry to discover facts.

probing this

This alternative implies a deeper, more intrusive examination.

checking into this

This alternative is more casual and suggests a quick verification.

inquiring into this

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of asking questions.

studying this

This alternative implies a careful and prolonged examination.

assessing this

This alternative focuses on evaluating or judging the value of something.

FAQs

How can I use "investigating this" in a sentence?

You can use "investigating this" to describe the action of examining a specific issue or situation. For instance, "The police are "investigating this" case thoroughly".

What are some alternatives to "investigating this"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "looking into this", "examining this", or "exploring this" as alternatives to "investigating this".

Is "investigating this" formal or informal?

"Investigating this" tends to be more formal. In casual conversation, you might prefer phrases like "checking this out" or "looking into it".

What's the difference between "investigating this" and "researching this"?

"Investigating this" often implies looking into a specific incident or problem, while "researching this" suggests a more systematic and academic inquiry. The choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the inquiry.