outside investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'outside investigation' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been undertaken with an external or independent person or organization. For example: "The company launched an outside investigation to determine how the security breach occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also led the N.F.L. to order an outside investigation into how league officials investigated the case.

The New York Times - Sports

The panel that Dinkins named to investigate police corruption represents the most extensive outside investigation of the department since the celebrated Knapp Commission in the 1970s.

Los Angeles Times

The closest call came in late 1998, in a decision about whether to seek an outside investigation into whether Vice President Gore had lied to investigators about campaign fund-raising in an earlier inquiry.

The New York Times

The school did not order up an outside investigation.

The New York Times

And not one has pushed for an outside investigation, although the company has started its own.

The New York Times

Mr. Cuccinelli had requested the outside investigation into his financial disclosures.

The New York Times

The league has refused to say which outside investigation firm, or firms, handled the vetting.

The New York Times - Sports

This, they said, was "calculated to mislead in the event of an outside investigation".

The Guardian - Sport

In response to the Russian hacks, Schiff's preference was to have an outside investigation.

The New Yorker

He has heatedly rejected the need for any outside investigation of the department.

The New York Times

The complex and decentralised structure means outside investigation of the charity is difficult.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outside investigation" when you need to emphasize the independence and impartiality of the investigative body. It suggests a more objective and unbiased approach compared to an internal review.

Common error

Don't label an investigation as an "outside investigation" simply because an external firm is involved. Ensure that the firm has no prior connections or conflicts of interest that could compromise its objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside investigation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'launch an outside investigation') or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outside investigation" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe an inquiry conducted by an external, independent entity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It emphasizes impartiality and objectivity, often employed in legal, business, and governmental contexts. While similar phrases exist, such as "independent inquiry" or "external audit", the specific choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the investigative body is genuinely independent to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

external inquiry

Synonymous, simply using "inquiry" instead of "investigation".

third-party investigation

Highlights the unbiased perspective of the investigation.

independent inquiry

Focuses on the impartiality and autonomy of the investigation.

independent probe

Similar to inquiry but suggests a more thorough search for information.

third-party review

Highlights the involvement of an uninvolved third party.

independent assessment

Emphasizes the objective evaluation nature of the investigation.

external audit

Specifically refers to a review of records by an external entity.

external scrutiny

Implies a careful and critical examination by an outside entity.

independent fact-finding mission

Focuses on gathering information to establish facts.

external fact-finding process

Implies a formal procedure of discovering and examining facts.

FAQs

How to use "outside investigation" in a sentence?

Use "outside investigation" when referring to a process conducted by an external, independent entity. For example: "The board decided to launch an "outside investigation" into the allegations."

What can I say instead of "outside investigation"?

Alternatives include "independent inquiry", "external audit", or "third-party review", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "outside investigation" or "internal investigation"?

Both are correct but refer to different processes. An "outside investigation" involves an external entity, while an "internal investigation" is conducted by the organization itself.

What's the difference between "outside investigation" and "independent investigation"?

While similar, "independent investigation" emphasizes the lack of bias, whereas "outside investigation" focuses on the external nature of the investigative body.