What is investigation? Pronunciation and usage in English

investigation means . Learn how to pronounce and use investigation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of investigation

investigationnoun

/ɪnˌvɛstɪˈɡeɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of investigation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "investigation" in English. It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

Here's the best way to say it:

  • /ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪʃən/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. in - pronounced like the "in" in "in"
  2. vest - pronounced like "vest" (as in the clothing) – this is often the trickiest part! Make sure it's clear and not mumbled.
  3. ig - pronounced like "ig" (as in "pig")
  4. a - pronounced like "a" (as in "apple")
  5. tion - pronounced like "shun" (rhymes with "sun")

Putting it all together, it sounds like: "In-VES-ti-GAY-shun"

Tips for pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the third syllable: "VES."
  • "vest" is key: Really focus on saying "vest" clearly. Don't let it sound like "in-test."
  • "ig" as in "pig": This is a common mistake.

Resources for hearing it:

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word investigation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "investigation" in English. It's a versatile word with a few related meanings.

1. As a Noun (The most common use):

  • Definition: An investigation is a systematic and formal inquiry into a matter, typically to discover facts and solve a problem. It's essentially a detailed examination.

  • Examples:

    • "The police are conducting an investigation into the robbery." (They’re looking into the details of the crime.)
    • "A full investigation of the company's finances is needed." (A thorough examination of the finances is required.)
    • "The journalist launched an investigation into allegations of corruption." (The journalist is researching the claims.)
    • "She’s leading an investigation into why the project failed." (She's trying to find out what went wrong.)

2. As a Verb (Less common, but important):

  • Definition: To investigate means to carry out an investigation.

  • Examples:

    • "The company will investigate the report before taking action." (They will conduct an investigation of the report.)
    • "Scientists are investigating the causes of climate change." (Scientists are researching the causes.)
    • “The lawyer began to investigate the client’s alibi.” (The lawyer started looking into the alibi.)

Here’s a breakdown of different contexts and nuances:

  • Formal Investigations: Usually used by police, government agencies, or large corporations. These are often lengthy and involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing data.
  • Informal Investigations: Can be used in everyday situations – figuring out why something happened, diagnosing a problem, or simply trying to understand a situation. Example: "Let’s investigate this strange noise we're hearing."

Phrases & Related Words:

  • Criminal investigation: Specifically related to crimes.
  • Police investigation: Investigation conducted by the police.
  • Internal investigation: An investigation conducted within an organization (like a company).
  • Preliminary investigation: An initial, often less formal, investigation.
  • Deep dive investigation: A very thorough investigation.
  • Investigative journalist: A journalist who conducts investigations.
  • To uncover: To reveal something through an investigation (e.g., "The investigation uncovered evidence of fraud.")

Tips for Using "Investigation" Correctly:

  • Be Specific: Try to be clear about what is being investigated. (e.g., "The investigation into the accident," “The investigation into the missing funds.”)
  • Use Strong Verbs: Words like "examine," "study," "research," and "analyze" often work well with “investigation.”

Do you want me to:

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  • Explain the difference between "investigation" and related words like "research" or "study"?
  • Provide some sentences to practice using "investigation"?

Synonyms for the word investigation

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