preliminary investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

'preliminary investigation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in the context of a legal or investigative process that is just starting out. For example: "The police began a preliminary investigation into the disappearance of the young woman."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a preliminary investigation the stability limits have been investigated.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

"It's a preliminary investigation.

The New York Times - Science

A preliminary investigation ruled out murder-suicide.

The New York Times

But after a preliminary investigation, nothing happened.

The New York Times

After conducting a preliminary investigation, Riverdale suspended Mr. Hovan.

The New York Times

A preliminary investigation by the Food and Drug Administration indicates that the scallions came from Mexico.

The New York Times

In May, after receiving dozens of these complaints, the highway safety agency began a preliminary investigation.

The New York Times

Under French law, a preliminary investigation is done to determine if a formal investigation is warranted.

The New York Times

A preliminary investigation has been opened to determine whether deliberate police violence caused his death.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, the first person the judge conducting the preliminary investigation asked to see was Gabrielle.

The New Yorker

No summons was issued after a preliminary investigation, the police said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary investigation", ensure the context clearly indicates that the investigation is in its early stages and may not have definitive findings. Avoid presenting conclusions as final until a thorough investigation is complete.

Common error

Avoid drawing firm conclusions or making definitive statements based solely on a "preliminary investigation". Clearly state that the findings are tentative and subject to change pending further inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary investigation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the early stages of an inquiry or examination, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary investigation" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the initial stages of an inquiry. As Ludwig confirms, its primary function is to denote the commencement of a fact-finding process, often in contexts related to news reporting, scientific research, or formal business matters. While grammatically correct, it's essential to avoid drawing premature conclusions based solely on "preliminary" findings. Consider using synonyms like "initial inquiry" or "early assessment" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary inquiry

More formal synonym using "inquiry" instead of "investigation".

initial inquiry

Replaces "investigation" with "inquiry", suggesting a more general fact-finding process.

initial fact-finding

Emphasizes the gathering of information as the primary goal of the initial stage.

starting probe

Replaces "investigation" with "probe", suggesting a more direct and focused examination.

early assessment

Focuses on the evaluative aspect of the initial stages, implying a judgment is being formed.

exploratory review

Focuses on the openness and breadth of the initial examination, suggesting a wide range of possibilities are being considered.

introductory study

Emphasizes the exploratory nature of the initial examination, particularly in academic contexts.

preparatory analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect of the initial stage, suggesting a careful examination of available data.

first stage of inquiry

Breaks down the concept into its component parts, highlighting the sequential aspect.

scoping exercise

Suggests a process of defining the boundaries and parameters of a larger investigation.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "preliminary investigation"?

A "preliminary investigation" aims to gather initial information, assess the scope of a problem, and determine whether further, more detailed investigation is warranted. It's an exploratory phase, not intended to provide conclusive results.

What can I say instead of "preliminary investigation"?

You can use alternatives like "initial inquiry", "early assessment", or "starting probe" depending on the specific context.

How does a "preliminary investigation" differ from a full investigation?

A "preliminary investigation" is a brief, initial inquiry to determine if a more in-depth investigation is necessary. A full investigation involves a comprehensive examination of all available evidence, interviews with witnesses, and potentially forensic analysis.

Is a "preliminary investigation" always followed by a full investigation?

No, a "preliminary investigation" may conclude that no further action is required if the initial inquiry reveals insufficient evidence, a lack of merit, or other factors that negate the need for a full investigation.