on investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

"on investigation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is researching or attempting to gain an understanding of something. For example: The forensic team conducted a thorough on investigation into the scene of the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On investigation, we find one outstanding wordsmith whose prose decisively influenced the lovely cadences of the King James translation.

The Economist

On investigation, a dead viper was discovered in the sandpit: she had despatched it with her spade.

The Guardian - Books

It could help the forensics investigators by potentially shortening the time spent on investigation of possible breach scenarios.

Contemporary Digital Forensic Investigations of Cloud and Mobile Applications

This period is to be spent on investigation.

The Guardian

The Times based its findings on investigation reports obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

The New York Times

Six weeks ago, he gave a webinar on GotoMeeting.com, offering a session on Investigation 101.

The New York Times

On investigation, they prove to have ectoplasmic properties.Splits within the regime are a possibility.

The Economist

It is "Dates From Hell," which began its second season on Friday night on Investigation Discovery.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But a full-on investigation of him and his staff by Bharara and his crew?

The New Yorker

In the past, the Trump Organization's chaff structure might have served the purpose of confusing a full-on investigation.

The New Yorker

Similarly, extensive planning and hands-on investigation were required to unravel the patterns underlying nineteenth-century systems and connect them to twenty-first-century systems.

Smart Learning Environments

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on investigation" when referring to a formal or structured process of inquiry, such as a legal investigation or a scientific study. This clarifies the context of the inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "on investigation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Phrases like "after looking into it" or "when I checked" are more appropriate in those settings. This prevents the tone from being overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on investigation" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It typically introduces the basis for a finding or conclusion, indicating that it was derived from a systematic inquiry or examination. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

57%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on investigation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signals a finding or conclusion derived from a systematic inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various writing contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related domains, the phrase conveys formality and credibility. While there exist several alternatives, it’s advisable to use it in contexts that warrant a structured and meticulous process of inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon examination

Emphasizes the act of carefully inspecting something to discover its true nature or condition.

after inquiry

Highlights the process of seeking information or asking questions to gather facts.

following scrutiny

Focuses on a detailed and critical inspection to identify potential issues or discrepancies.

under review

Indicates that something is currently being assessed or evaluated.

in the course of research

Highlights that a discovery or finding occurred as part of a broader research endeavor.

during the audit

Specifies that the investigation is happening within the context of an audit process.

through analysis

Emphasizes the use of analytical methods to uncover insights or conclusions.

as a result of research

Suggests that the investigation has concluded, and the following information is a direct outcome of that research.

in light of the inquiry

Positions the following information as being influenced or informed by the investigation.

after a thorough study

Emphasizes the comprehensive and detailed nature of the investigation conducted.

FAQs

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

You can use "on investigation" to introduce a finding or conclusion reached after a process of inquiry. For example, "On investigation, it was discovered that the data had been manipulated."

What are some alternatives to "on investigation"?

Some alternatives include "upon examination", "after inquiry", or "following scrutiny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "on investigation" compared to "after checking"?

Yes, "on investigation" is generally more formal. "After checking" implies a simpler, less structured process, while "on investigation" suggests a systematic inquiry.

When is it appropriate to use "on investigation" in writing?

It's suitable for formal reports, academic papers, legal documents, or any context where a structured inquiry or examination has taken place and you want to emphasize the rigor of the process.