Words / B1

in-vest-i-GAYSHUN/ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃn/

An investigation is a careful official examination of the facts of a situation or crime: open an investigation; a police investigation; under investigation. Research is usually academic or scientific; an enquiry / inquiry can be an official question process (UK uses both spellings). Investigate is the verb. Investigator is the person. Carry out / launch / reopen an investigation. Do not write “investigation about” in formal English — use investigation into.

Meaning

A careful official examination of the facts of a situation or crime.

Examples

• “The police have opened an investigation into the accident.”
• “A full investigation was launched after the fire.”
• “The company is under investigation for false claims.”

Good to know

an investigation into. under investigation. Verb: investigate. Academic: research. Official questions: enquiry / inquiry. Person: investigator.

Near in meaning

enquiry

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