investigation into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investigation into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of examining or inquiring into a particular subject or issue. Example: "The investigation into the financial discrepancies revealed several irregularities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Investigation into fatal shootings.

The New York Times

The investigation into St.

The New York Times

An investigation into the escape is continuing.

The New York Times

An investigation into the shooting is continuing.

The New York Times - Sports

Hood opened a criminal investigation into State Farm.

The New Yorker

We need an investigation into the killing.

The Guardian

The investigation into Dr. Rodchenkov, however, disappeared.

The New York Times - Sports

Watch the GuardianFilms investigation into the case.

The Guardian

The investigation into Atkinson was later dropped.

The Guardian

The investigation into its disappearance went worldwide.

The Guardian - Arts

An investigation into that incident is ongoing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigation into", ensure the subject of the investigation is clearly defined. For example, "an investigation into the company's finances" is more precise than a general "investigation".

Common error

Avoid using "investigation into" in very casual conversation; simpler terms like "looking into" or "checking out" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigation into" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically indicating the subject or target of an official or formal inquiry. Ludwig examples confirm its use in denoting a process of systematic examination. For example, "An investigation into the death" from one example from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "investigation into" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a formal inquiry or examination. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media, followed by scientific and formal/business contexts. While "investigation into" is generally appropriate, it's essential to consider the context and choose simpler alternatives like "looking into" for informal situations. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's validity, providing numerous real-world examples demonstrating its usage across various domains. Alternative phrases include "inquiry into" and "probe into", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquiry into

A more formal synonym for "investigation", often used in official contexts.

probe into

Suggests a more in-depth and thorough examination.

examination of

A broader term that can refer to a more general inspection.

study of

Implies a more academic or scientific approach.

analysis of

Focuses on breaking down a subject into its components for detailed understanding.

review of

Suggests a critical assessment or evaluation.

exploration of

Implies a more open-ended and exploratory approach.

scrutiny of

Highlights a careful and critical observation.

inspection of

Refers to a formal or official examination.

assessment of

Focuses on evaluating the subject's quality or value.

FAQs

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

You can use "investigation into" to describe the process of formally inquiring about something. For example, "The police launched an "investigation into" the robbery" or "The committee is conducting an "investigation into" the allegations".

What are some alternatives to "investigation into"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "inquiry into", "probe into", or "examination of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "investigation into" versus "look into"?

"Investigation into" suggests a more formal and thorough inquiry, often involving official or legal procedures. "Look into" is more casual and implies a less rigorous examination. Use "investigation into" when the situation requires a systematic and documented process, versus "look into" for less formal situations.

Is there a difference between "investigation into" and "investigation of"?

While both are grammatically correct, "investigation into" is more common when referring to the subject or target of the investigation. "Investigation of" may be used when referring to the method or manner of investigation. However, in most cases, "investigation into" is the preferred phrasing.