investigation

The word “investigation” means a careful and systematic inquiry into the facts of a matter. In plain terms, the process of looking closely into something to uncover the truth.

“Investigation” is pronounced ihn-vehs-tih-GAY-shuhn (/ɪnˌvɛs.tɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “investigation” used in a sentence: “The police launched an investigation into the missing funds.”

“Investigation” is a noun.

“Investigation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

The two overlap, and inquiry is sometimes just a formal word for investigation. In general, an investigation is a detailed effort to uncover facts, often about wrongdoing, as in a police investigation. An inquiry is broader: it can simply mean asking questions, or a formal, official review of events, such as a public inquiry.

Both involve careful inquiry, but their aims differ. An investigation seeks the facts of a specific matter or incident, often to establish what happened and who was responsible. Research seeks new knowledge or understanding across a subject, usually to answer broader questions. Investigations look into cases; research explores ideas and builds knowledge.

Investigations take many forms depending on their purpose. Criminal investigations look into suspected crimes, while civil ones support legal disputes. There are also scientific investigations that test questions through experiment, internal or corporate investigations into workplace conduct, and forensic investigations that analyse physical evidence. Each follows a careful, systematic method.

A typical investigation follows a logical sequence: defining the question or problem, gathering evidence, interviewing people or examining sources, analysing the findings, and drawing conclusions. Good investigators stay objective, follow the facts wherever they lead, and record everything carefully so the results can be checked and trusted.