upon investigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon investigation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is discovered or examined after taking the time to look into it and analyze it. For example, "Upon investigation, the police determined that the cause of the fire was an electrical short."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Upon investigation, she signed up for the service herself.

The New York Times

Upon investigation, the explanation was simple: the cimbra had vanished.

The New Yorker

Much of this proves untrue or exaggerated upon investigation, prosecutors note.

The New York Times

Upon investigation, Britannica's editors found there to be some debate about the matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The manai, upon investigation, turned out to be a pack of wolves dislodged from their habitat by deforestation.

The New York Times

Upon investigation, it usually turns out that Candidate A, who takes no responsibility for the damage, was somehow involved.

The New York Times

Upon investigation, Justice Bamberger learned that the third juror, Frederick Lynch, was a felon who was not eligible to serve.

The New York Times

Upon investigation through a microscope, individual branches showed darker, longitudinal strips, while others had transverse dark bands.

University of California, Berkeley

Upon investigation we found all three boxes on which the proxy was running cycled at the same time.

The Guardian

Upon investigation, this was traced to families letting visiting relatives sleep in children's bedrooms due to lack of space.

The Guardian

Upon investigation, Dr Draeger found that plane tree bark did indeed contain betulinic acid – 10 times more than in birch bark, in fact.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a formal tone when using "upon investigation", aligning with the serious and analytical nature of the phrase. This is particularly relevant in academic papers, legal documents, or investigative reports.

Common error

Avoid using "upon investigation" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "after looking into it" or "when we checked."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon investigation" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the condition or circumstance under which an action or discovery occurs. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase introduces a finding or conclusion reached after a process of inquiry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon investigation" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce findings derived from a careful and thorough examination, as verified by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and most appropriate in formal contexts such as academic papers, news reports, and official documents. While "upon investigation" is widely used, it should be avoided in casual conversation where simpler alternatives are more suitable. The phrase is frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", highlighting its role in serious and analytical communication. Based on data from Ludwig, there are alternatives to the query, which can be useful in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after examination

Focuses on the act of examining as a preliminary step, slightly emphasizing the process rather than the discovery.

following inquiry

Highlights the act of asking questions and seeking information as part of the investigative process.

on closer inspection

Emphasizes a more detailed and careful examination than a general investigation.

after scrutiny

Suggests a very critical and thorough examination, often looking for flaws or errors.

upon closer analysis

Highlights a detailed and analytical examination, often involving breaking down a subject into its constituent parts.

with further research

Implies a more in-depth and scholarly approach to finding information.

as a result of probing

Suggests a direct and often intrusive method of investigation.

through detailed study

Highlights the careful and methodical nature of the investigative process.

subsequent to inspection

Presents a more formal and chronological sequence of events, with inspection preceding further action.

in the aftermath of review

Implies that an investigation occurs after an initial review, often to address specific issues or concerns.

FAQs

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

Use "upon investigation" to introduce results or findings derived from a detailed inquiry or examination. For instance, "Upon investigation, the committee discovered financial irregularities".

What phrases are similar to "upon investigation"?

You can use alternatives such as "after examination", "following inquiry", or "on closer inspection" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "upon investigation" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "upon investigation" is best suited for formal contexts. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "after looking into it" or "when we checked".

What is the difference between "upon investigation" and "after a quick look"?

"Upon investigation" implies a thorough and formal examination, whereas "after a quick look" suggests a brief and less detailed review. The former is appropriate for serious inquiries, while the latter is suitable for casual situations.