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general::
noun ADJ. careful, close, detailed | extensive The authorities conducted an extensive investigation into his tax affairs. | full, thorough | criminal, murder, police | scientific | government VERB + INVESTIGATION carry out, conduct, pursue Police are still pursuing their investigations. | launch | head, lead | complete INVESTIGATION + VERB reveal sth, show sth Closer investigation showed this idea to be untenable. PREP. on ~ On investigation, the noise turned out to be only a door banging. | under ~ The singer is currently under investigation for possessing illegal drugs. | ~ into Police have launched an investigation into the allegations. PHRASES the subject of an investigation The matter is the subject of a police investigation, and we have been advised not to comment.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
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general::
investigation
a process in which the police or another organization try to find out the truth about a crime or accident:
• Following a major police investigation, two men were arrested. • The investigation into the causes of the air crash are continuing.
inquiry
an official process to find out why something happened, which usually takes several months or years:
• Local people are calling for an inquiry into the accident. • An independent inquiry found serious shortcomings at the children’s home.
case
a matter that police or officials are trying to find out information about, especially so that it can be dealt with in a court of law:
• The case has never been solved. • The police say it is one of the most puzzling cases they have had to deal with.
probe
an investigation in which many questions are asked to find out the truth about something – used especially in journalism:
• The TV show featured a probe into charges charged by high street banks.
inquest
a legal investigation to find out why someone died:
• The inquest heard that Mr Swan was poisoned.
survey
a process in which people are asked questions in order to find out about their opinions or about their behaviour:
• They did a survey to find out the most popular pop star. • Based on a survey of 250 companies, the report says that ‘ over two thirds of companies expect operating costs to increase as a result of addressing environmental issues.
autopsy
British English a medical examination of a dead person’s body, to find out why that person died:
• If she died of a drug overdose, it would show up in the autopsy.
Longman-Thesaurus