investigation in progress

USAGE SUMMARY

"investigation in progress" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an inquiry is ongoing. For example, "The police released a statement saying that their investigation into the robbery is still in progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Housing Authority officials declined to comment on specifics, citing the investigation in progress.

The New York Times

Photograph: Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images 3.32pm GMT Connecticut state police have issued a press release describing their response to emergency calls, the crime scene and the investigation in progress.

The Guardian

The reports are also structured with an automatic one-hour delay, aimed at preventing people from learning about an investigation in progress and swarming over to gawk and perhaps interfere.

The New York Times

Also, the reports were structured with an automatic one-hour delay, aimed at preventing people from learning about an investigation in progress and swarming over to gawk and perhaps interfere.

The New York Times

But investigators say they suspect that he and two associates in Southern California were using other countries as stopping points for their military shipments, with Iran as the ultimate destination, according to the law-enforcement officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to comment publicly on an investigation in progress.

The New York Times

While it is always difficult to compare tragedies, there is something disturbing to see how the world was fascinated for over a month about the Malaysia Airlines airplane disappearance, a story that remains a mystery and an investigation in progress as authorities search for a downed plane.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"There are widespread investigations in progress," the local official added.

The New York Times

There are various investigations in progress at the federal and state level.

The New York Times

The ethics commission is prohibited by law from commenting on investigations in progress.

The New York Times

An F.B.I spokeswoman in Los Angeles declined to comment and said the agency did not discuss investigations in progress.

The New York Times

The officials who confirmed the investigation did so on the condition of anonymity, citing the custom to decline to speak publicly on criminal investigations in progress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, especially legal or official reports, maintain consistency by either fully defining the investigation's scope at first mention or using a shortened version, like "the ongoing investigation", in subsequent references.

Common error

While "investigation in progress" is appropriate, avoid substituting it with overly technical or field-specific terms that may not be readily understood by a general audience. Clarity is crucial when communicating about ongoing investigations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigation in progress" functions as a descriptor, indicating that an inquiry or examination is currently underway. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "investigation in progress" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe an ongoing inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Its primary function is descriptive, informing that an examination is currently underway, primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "ongoing investigation", can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is conducting the investigation and its subject. Avoid overly technical jargon to maintain accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing investigation

Focuses on the continuous nature of the investigation, emphasizing its uninterrupted state.

active investigation

Highlights that the investigation is currently being pursued, emphasizing its present activity.

current investigation

Indicates that the investigation is taking place in the present time, emphasizing its immediacy.

inquiry underway

Uses "inquiry" as a synonym for "investigation" and "underway" for "in progress", offering a slightly more formal tone.

examination is ongoing

Replaces "investigation" with "examination" and uses "ongoing" to describe its continuous nature.

probe is in progress

Substitutes "investigation" with "probe", suggesting a more focused and potentially sensitive inquiry.

matter is under investigation

Shifts the focus to the subject of the investigation, emphasizing that it is currently being examined.

case is being investigated

Highlights the specific case that is subject to the investigation, emphasizing the active process of examination.

subject of inquiry

Focuses on the topic being investigated, indicating that it is currently under examination.

review in progress

Uses "review" as a softer alternative to "investigation", suggesting a more formal and less accusatory examination.

FAQs

How can I use "investigation in progress" in a sentence?

You can use "investigation in progress" to indicate that an inquiry or examination is currently underway. For example, "The police stated that the "ongoing investigation" is their top priority".

What's a more formal alternative to "investigation in progress"?

A more formal alternative is "inquiry underway". This phrase is suitable for official reports or legal documents.

Is it better to say "investigation in progress" or "ongoing investigation"?

Both "investigation in progress" and "ongoing investigation" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on stylistic preference and context. "Ongoing investigation" may emphasize the continuous nature slightly more.

When should I not use "investigation in progress"?

Avoid using "investigation in progress" when the investigation is completed or has been concluded. In such cases, use phrases like "completed investigation" or "concluded inquiry".