worth investigating

USAGE SUMMARY

"worth investigating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when it makes sense to suggest further examination of a particular topic or idea. For example, "The evidence suggests that the apparent anomaly is worth investigating further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Worth investigating.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seemed worth investigating.

The New York Times

But they seemed worth investigating.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well worth investigating.

The Guardian - Music

It is worth investigating.

The New York Times

Certainly the possibility was worth investigating.

The New York Times

The question seems worth investigating further.

The Economist

There's another feature which is worth investigating.

Independent

Does this Tulisa stuff seem worth investigating?

The Guardian

It sounded pretentious but worth investigating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whatever the reason, it is worth investigating".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worth investigating", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the subject merits investigation. Provide a brief rationale to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "worth investigating" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "interesting" or "something to check out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worth investigating" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun (often implied) to indicate that something possesses qualities that make it deserving of further examination or inquiry. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to recommend closer scrutiny of a topic or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worth investigating" is a versatile phrase used to recommend further examination of a topic or idea. As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and science. While its register is generally neutral, it's best to avoid overusing it in very informal settings. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to clearly establish why the subject merits investigation. Related alternatives include "merits examination" and "deserves scrutiny", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merits examination

Highlights the value or importance of examining something, implying it could yield valuable insights.

bears looking into

Suggests a need for a preliminary investigation to determine if further action is necessary.

deserves scrutiny

Emphasizes the need for careful and critical examination, suggesting a more formal or potentially problematic situation.

should be explored

Implies a broader and potentially less structured investigation to uncover possibilities or details.

warrants inquiry

Suggests that the situation justifies a formal investigation or questioning to uncover more information.

merits further study

Points out the significance of carrying out a more detailed and comprehensive study of a particular topic.

calls for research

Specifically points to the need for a systematic study or investigation to explore a topic.

justifies exploration

Emphasizes that there is a valid reason to delve deeper and discover more about a specific subject or situation.

demands attention

Highlights the urgency and importance of focusing on a specific issue or situation that requires thorough examination.

is worthy of consideration

Indicates that something should be thoughtfully assessed and evaluated, not necessarily investigated.

FAQs

How can I use "worth investigating" in a sentence?

You can use "worth investigating" to suggest that a topic, idea, or problem should be examined more closely. For example, "The potential benefits of this new technology are "worth investigating"".

What are some alternatives to "worth investigating"?

Alternatives include "merits examination", "deserves scrutiny", or "should be explored depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "worthy investigating" instead of "worth investigating"?

While "worthy investigating" might seem grammatically similar, ""worth investigating"" is the more common and grammatically accepted phrase. "Worthy" typically precedes a noun, not a verb in this context.

What's the difference between "worth investigating" and "worth exploring"?

"Worth investigating" implies a more structured and potentially formal inquiry, while "worth exploring" suggests a broader and more open-ended examination.