Word
investigation
Phoneticsin·ves·ti·ga·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃən/
UK/ɪnvˌɛstɪɡˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a careful and detailed search for facts or the truth about something. You use this when the police, a scientist, or a reporter looks into a problem to find out what happened.
n. a formal or systematic examination or research into a subject or incident. Often implies a search for evidence or the cause of a specific event.
Examples
“The police started an investigation into the robbery.”
“The fire department launched a full investigation to determine if the blaze was started by faulty wiring.”
“Following the whistle-blower's testimony, the committee initiated a thorough investigation into the company's financial records to uncover any evidence of systemic fraud.”
Examples
simple
“The police started an investigation into the robbery.”
contextual
“The fire department launched a full investigation to determine if the blaze was started by faulty wiring.”
complex
“Following the whistle-blower's testimony, the committee initiated a thorough investigation into the company's financial records to uncover any evidence of systemic fraud.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “investigation” in context.
Verb
01. enable investigation
“New surveillance footage will enable investigation of the suspect's movements.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. detailed investigation
“A detailed investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway.”
adj + noun
03. extensive investigation
“After an extensive investigation, the police finally identified the thief.”
adj + noun
04. future investigation
“The report highlights several areas that require future investigation.”
adj + noun
05. investigation into an alleged
06. investigation into the incident
07. investigation found
08. investigation began
09. investigation remains
10. investigation into his appointment
11. investigation revealed
12. investigation showed
Usage
Often takes the preposition 'into' to specify the subject being examined.
Pitfall
an investigation about the crime
an investigation into the crime
While 'about' is sometimes used, 'into' is the standard and more precise preposition for a formal examination.
Real-World Examples
“An investigation into the child’s death was launched and Gartshore, from Aberdeen, was arrested and charged in November 2023.” “The circumstances of the incident are under investigation.” “Now, the company wrote, agencies can limit the scans they share with other cities or states to specific types of investigations like stolen vehicle or missing persons cases.” “Both pilots of the flight have been removed from duties until the investigation is complete.” Etymology
From Middle English investigacioun, from Old French investigacion, from Latin investigatio. Morphologically investigate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/investigation