investigating whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigating whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of examining or exploring the possibility of something being true or valid. Example: "The researchers are investigating whether the new treatment is effective in reducing symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mueller is investigating whether Trump has obstructed justice throughout the Russia investigation.

Vice

A local prosecutor is investigating whether neglect was a factor.

The New York Times

French prosecutors are investigating whether the media endangered Lepère's life.

The Guardian

"We are investigating whether it involved a violation of protocols".

The New York Times

It also is investigating whether energy companies manipulated prices.

The New York Times

Detectives had been quietly investigating whether Gareth Williams was gay.

The Guardian

Baseball is investigating whether the steroids belonged to Alexander.

The New York Times - Sports

Even more are investigating whether BAE bribed Saudi sorts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Detectives are investigating whether the two smuggled Hyacell from there.

The New York Times

They are investigating whether he used the same weapon.

The New York Times

The police are now investigating whether Griffin's tweets were illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigating whether", ensure the context clearly states the subject or entity conducting the investigation and the specific question or possibility being examined. This will provide clarity and focus to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who is performing the investigation. Instead of writing "It is being investigated whether...", specify who is "investigating whether" to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigating whether" functions as a verb phrase introducing an indirect question. It signifies the act of examining a situation or claim to determine its validity or truth. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its proper usage in initiating inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "investigating whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce an inquiry or examination of a particular matter. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. To ensure clarity, specify who is conducting the investigation. While similar phrases like "examining if" exist, "investigating whether" is generally more formal. Avoid overuse of passive voice to keep your writing direct and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examining if

Focuses on the act of scrutiny to determine a condition.

exploring whether

Suggests a more open-ended inquiry.

looking into whether

Implies a preliminary investigation.

inquiring whether

More formal and direct question of possibility.

researching if

Highlights a detailed and systematic inquiry.

probing if

Suggests a deeper, more invasive investigation.

determining if

Emphasizes the goal of reaching a conclusion.

assessing if

Focuses on evaluating the situation to make a judgment.

verifying whether

Stresses the act of confirming the truth or accuracy.

checking to see if

More casual and informal way to express investigation.

FAQs

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

Use "investigating whether" to introduce a question about a possible fact or situation that is being examined. For example, "The police are investigating whether the fire was an accident."

What are some alternatives to "investigating whether"?

You can use alternatives such as "examining if", "exploring whether", or "looking into whether" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "investigating whether" or "investigating if"?

"Investigating whether" and "investigating if" are often interchangeable, but "whether" is generally considered more formal and grammatically precise, particularly in formal writing. "If" is more common in informal speech.

What's the difference between "investigating whether" and "analyzing whether"?

"Investigating whether" implies a broader inquiry into the circumstances surrounding an event or situation, while "analyzing whether" suggests a more detailed and systematic examination of specific data or evidence to determine a particular outcome or conclusion.