investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of examining or inquiring into a matter to uncover facts or information. Example: "The police launched an investigation into the recent thefts in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we will take action to protect the public if we uncover evidence that could affect the safety of other rides at the park or elsewhere".

The Guardian

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

The New York Times

The Guardian, which was first published in 1821, is most recently renowned for its agenda-setting NSA and GCHQ revelations following disclosures by whistleblower Edward Snowden, its globally acclaimed investigation into phone hacking and the launch of its groundbreaking digital-first strategy in 2011 and its trailblazing partnership with WikiLeaks in 2010.

The Guardian

A police investigation was launched into the data issues.

The Guardian

The Guardian is also known for its globally acclaimed investigation into phone hacking, the launch of its groundbreaking digital-first strategy in 2011 and its trailblazing partnership with WikiLeaks in 2010.

The Guardian

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation into what went wrong and to determine whether the theme park was operating the ride within the law.

The Guardian

An investigation into what caused the men to crash into the cliff face is ongoing.

The Guardian

"There are legal criteria for ordering preventative detention, such as preserving the public order or guaranteeing the continuity of an investigation.

The Guardian - Sport

We're largely dependent on whistleblowers – normally disillusioned chuggers – to enlighten us, as in last year's investigation by Dispatches.

The Guardian - Opinion

The treatment of children in church-run residential homes is a key concern of the investigation, which is chaired by the retired judge Sir Anthony Hart and is considering cases between 1922 – when Northern Ireland was founded – and 1995.

The Guardian

Some of the departures have been as a result of sackings and the South Australian auditor general has since begun an investigation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In official reports or documents, clearly state the scope and objectives of the "investigation" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "investigation" when simply asking questions or gathering opinions. Reserve it for situations involving a systematic and formal inquiry with clear objectives.

Linguistic Context

The noun "investigation" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to the process of systematic inquiry. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "investigation" denotes a systematic and thorough inquiry, often with a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the term conveys a sense of formality and seriousness. Related terms include "probe", "inquiry", and "examination", offering nuanced alternatives. When writing, it's important to reserve "investigation" for situations involving formal inquiries and to clearly state the scope of the inquiry. Overall, "investigation" is a versatile and essential term for describing structured inquiries across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probe

A shorter, more direct term for a focused inquiry.

inquiry

A formal or systematic examination or questioning.

examination

A detailed inspection or scrutiny.

exploration

Implies a more open-ended and exploratory approach.

study

Refers to a systematic and detailed research effort.

research

Systematic inquiry into a subject to discover or revise facts.

fact-finding mission

Specifically focuses on discovering facts related to a particular event or issue.

detective work

Focuses on the process of uncovering hidden or secret information.

legal proceedings

Implies a formal inquiry within the justice system.

assessment

Emphasizes the evaluation and judgment aspect of inquiry.

FAQs

How is an "investigation" different from an inquiry?

While both involve seeking information, an "investigation" is typically more structured and thorough than a general "inquiry". Investigations often have a specific goal, such as uncovering facts related to a crime or misconduct.

When is it appropriate to use the word "investigation" in writing?

Use "investigation" when describing a formal, systematic, and often official inquiry into a specific matter, such as a police investigation or a scientific "research" project.

What are some synonyms for "investigation" that I can use to vary my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "probe", "examination", "inquiry", or "research" to avoid repetition.

Can "investigation" be used in informal contexts?

While "investigation" is generally used in more formal settings, it can be used informally when referring to a serious or thorough inquiry, even if it's not officially sanctioned. Otherwise, consider a term like "exploration" or "study".