investigative work

USAGE SUMMARY

"investigative work" is correct and usable in written English.
It is referring to work that involves gathering facts or evidence to a certain topic. For example, "The journalist is undertaking some investigative work to find out the truth of the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The precedents set in these investigations indicate that further investigative work into the role of cytokines and chemokines within the IVD is warranted.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

In investigative work, officers have more time to conduct their investigation but also lack the richness of information (physical and recorded) that officers in real-time situations have.

Security Informatics

11 investigative work.

The New York Times

And it was continuing to do excellent investigative work.

The Economist

The Times brings a similar discipline to its investigative work.

The New York Times

The memos underscore the changing nature of investigative work.

The New York Times

"I've definitely done the investigative work," Kerr said.

The New York Times - Sports

His art also depends on serious investigative work.

The New Yorker

"It was good investigative work," Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

To catch any spy requires good investigative work.

The New York Times

His investigative work led to Nordahl's arrest in 1996.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "investigative work", ensure the context clearly indicates a systematic and thorough examination or inquiry. It's suitable for describing efforts in journalism, law enforcement, scientific research, and other fields requiring detailed investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "investigative work" when simpler terms like "research" or "checking" would suffice, especially in casual conversations. Overusing it can make your speech sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investigative work" functions as a noun phrase describing the activity of conducting a detailed or systematic inquiry. Ludwig AI validates this usage, demonstrating its widespread acceptance in various contexts. Examples show it used in relation to journalism, law enforcement, and scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "investigative work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that describes a systematic and detailed inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. Related phrases include "investigatory work" and "fact-finding work", offering nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context's formality, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Its primary function is to describe the process of uncovering facts or solving problems, making it a valuable term in professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

investigatory work

Emphasizes the act of investigation with a slightly more formal tone.

investigation work

A less common phrasing that still conveys the same meaning.

fact-finding work

Highlights the process of gathering facts specifically.

detective work

Implies a focus on solving crimes or mysteries.

research

A broader term that includes systematic investigation.

inquiry

Focuses on a formal or systematic investigation.

probe

Suggests a thorough investigation into a specific issue.

examination

Emphasizes a detailed inspection or study.

exploration

Implies a more open-ended investigation.

analysis

Highlights the process of breaking down and studying a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "investigative work" in a sentence?

You can use "investigative work" to describe a detailed inquiry or examination, such as "The journalist's investigative work uncovered a major scandal" or "The police are conducting investigative work to solve the crime".

What's the difference between "investigative work" and simple "research"?

"Investigative work" often implies a more in-depth and focused inquiry, potentially uncovering hidden or sensitive information, whereas research can be a broader term for gathering information. You may also consider "fact-finding work".

What are some alternatives to "investigative work"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "investigatory work", "detective work" (if related to crime), or "research".

Is "investigative work" formal or informal?

"Investigative work" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. Its formality depends on the specific context it's being used in.