ENGLISH
REFERENCE

investigates

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈvɛstəˌɡeɪts// UK //ɪnvˈɛstɪɡˌeɪts// in·ves·ti·gates

v. to look into something carefully to find out the truth or the facts. You use this when someone like a detective or a scientist studies a problem.

v. to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation, or process. Third-person singular present form of 'investigate'.


SIMPLE

The detective investigates the crime scene for clues.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee investigates every complaint it receives to ensure that safety standards are being met across the industry.

COMPLEX

While the primary study focuses on climate patterns, a secondary team investigates the specific impact of rising sea levels on coastal biodiversity over the last decade.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; it can also be used intransitively when the context of the inquiry is understood.

Pitfall

The police investigates about the accidentThe police investigate the accidentInvestigate is transitive and does not take the preposition 'about'; also, 'police' is a plural noun requiring the plural verb form.

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