personal investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal investigation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an inquiry or examination conducted by an individual, often related to personal matters or interests. Example: "After noticing some discrepancies in her finances, she decided to conduct a personal investigation to uncover the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There is surely autobiography here: this play, praised for its politics, is also a personal investigation.

The Guardian

Eastern official of large rubber company decided experiment on personal investigation of agents for tires his company makes.

The New Yorker

Yet it took Mr. Gilmore years after the execution to feel strong enough to conduct his personal investigation.

The New York Times

The GMB's General Secretary, John Edmonds, recently sacked its head of communications, Tom Condon, who had started a personal investigation.

The Guardian

The result is not so much a polemic as a personal investigation into the food industry and factory farming.

The Guardian - Books

Law enforcement or parties in lawsuits have different rules and expectations compared to businesses doing background checks on job applicants or a private citizen undertaking a personal investigation.

Introduction to Social Media Investigation A Hands-On Approach

Seddon even ordered Johnston to conduct a personal investigation of the Army of Tennessee and provide a full report to Richmond.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In paper presents materials also the domain of the personal investigations and the methodology are definite.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Official topographical map of Kansas / compiled from government surveys, official records, and personal investigations.

Yale University

These semi-political pictures include two personal investigations about what we eat and drink, and who makes and sells it.

The Guardian - Film

Introspection does not come naturally to Mr. Hughes, the reader suspects, or else he is ambivalent about the enterprise of making such personal investigations public.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "personal investigation", ensure the context clarifies who is conducting the investigation and what its scope entails. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "personal investigation" when referring to formal or official investigations conducted by law enforcement or government agencies. This distinction maintains clarity and accuracy in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal investigation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it denoting the act of conducting an inquiry or examination, often relating to individual matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal investigation" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to an inquiry or examination conducted by an individual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's often employed in neutral contexts like news and media but also appears in scientific and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the investigator and scope. While generally acceptable, formal alternatives like "private inquiry" may be preferable in certain professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private inquiry

Focuses on the confidentiality and individual nature of the investigation.

independent inquiry

Highlights the autonomous and unbiased nature of the investigation.

self-led examination

Emphasizes the personal direction and control over the investigative process.

individual assessment

Highlights the focus on evaluation and judgement by a single person.

internal inquiry

Suggests the investigation is conducted within a specific system or organization but is still personal.

self-driven research

Implies a more academic or methodical approach to the investigation.

do-it-yourself investigation

Emphasizes the do-it-yourself aspect, often implying resourcefulness.

personal fact-finding

Highlights the activity of discovering the facts of the matter.

self-analysis

Implies a focus on one's own actions or motivations, an introspection.

unofficial inquiry

Highlights the lack of formal or official approval for the investigation.

FAQs

What does "personal investigation" mean?

A "personal investigation" refers to an inquiry or examination conducted by an individual, often related to matters of personal interest or concern. It implies a self-motivated search for information or truth.

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

You can use "personal investigation" to describe actions like: "After noticing discrepancies, she launched a "private inquiry" to uncover the truth" or "He conducted a "independent inquiry" into the matter."

What are some alternatives to "personal investigation"?

Some alternatives include "private inquiry", "independent inquiry", or "self-led examination", each conveying slightly different nuances of the investigative process.

Is "personal investigation" appropriate for formal writing?

While "personal investigation" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "private inquiry" or "individual assessment" in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.