Investigate vs Examine: When To Use Each One In Writing

When it comes to scrutinizing something, two words that are often used interchangeably are “investigate” and “examine.” However, there are subtle differences between these two words that can affect the meaning of a sentence or even a whole investigation. In this article, we will explore the nuances between these two words and when it is appropriate to use each one.

We should define the two words. Investigate means to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident or situation. Examine, on the other hand, means to inspect something in detail to determine its nature or condition. While both words involve looking into something, investigate implies a more thorough and comprehensive approach, whereas examine suggests a more focused and detailed analysis.

So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context and what you are trying to convey. If you are trying to convey a sense of thoroughness and comprehensiveness, then investigate would be the better choice. If you want to emphasize a more detailed and specific analysis, then examine would be more appropriate.

Throughout the rest of this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between investigate and examine and provide examples of when each one should be used.

Define Investigate

Investigate is a verb that refers to the process of carrying out a thorough and systematic examination or inquiry into something in order to uncover facts or information. It involves collecting and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and conducting research to gain a better understanding of a situation or problem.

When investigating, it is important to maintain objectivity and avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete or biased information. Investigators must also adhere to ethical and legal standards, such as respecting the privacy of individuals and protecting sensitive information.

Define Examine

Examine, on the other hand, is a verb that means to inspect, scrutinize, or evaluate something in detail. It involves closely looking at an object, document, or situation to identify its characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, or problems.

Examination can be conducted for various purposes, such as quality control, academic assessment, medical diagnosis, or legal proceedings. It may involve using specialized tools or techniques, such as microscopes, X-rays, or questionnaires, to gather and analyze data.

Unlike investigation, examination does not necessarily involve uncovering hidden or unknown information, but rather focuses on assessing what is already known or observable.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning. The words “investigate” and “examine” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. In this section, we will explore how to use these words in a sentence correctly.

How To Use “Investigate” In A Sentence

“Investigate” means to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of a situation. Here are some examples of how to use “investigate” in a sentence:

• The police will investigate the crime scene to gather evidence.
• The committee will investigate the allegations of fraud.
• The journalist will investigate the story before publishing.

As seen in the examples, “investigate” is used when there is a need to conduct a thorough inquiry to uncover the truth. It is often associated with formal or official investigations.

How To Use “Examine” In A Sentence

“Examine” means to inspect or scrutinize something carefully to understand its nature or condition. Here are some examples of how to use “examine” in a sentence:

• The doctor will examine the patient to determine the cause of the illness.
• The teacher will examine the students’ papers to grade them.
• The expert will examine the evidence to form an opinion.

As seen in the examples, “examine” is used when there is a need to inspect or scrutinize something carefully to understand its nature or condition. It is often associated with analyzing and evaluating something in detail.

More Examples Of Investigate & Examine Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between investigate and examine, it is important to see how each word is used in context. Below are some examples of both words used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Investigate In A Sentence

• The police are currently investigating the crime scene for any evidence.
• The journalist spent months investigating the corruption scandal.
• The detective was assigned to investigate the disappearance of the young girl.
• The company hired a private investigator to investigate the employee’s suspicious behavior.
• The government is investigating the potential risks of a new technology.
• The committee was tasked with investigating the allegations of fraud.
• The scientist is investigating the effects of climate change on the local ecosystem.
• The lawyer is investigating the validity of the witness’s testimony.
• The journalist plans to investigate the company’s controversial business practices.
• The team of researchers will investigate the potential benefits of the new drug.

Examples Of Using Examine In A Sentence

• The doctor will examine the patient to determine the cause of their symptoms.
• The inspector will examine the building for any safety hazards.
• The teacher will examine the students’ essays for grammar and spelling errors.
• The jeweler will examine the diamond to determine its value.
• The accountant will examine the financial records for any discrepancies.
• The scientist will examine the data to see if there are any significant findings.
• The coach will examine the team’s performance to identify areas for improvement.
• The museum curator will examine the artifact to determine its authenticity.
• The lawyer will examine the evidence presented in court.
• The expert will examine the painting to determine if it is a genuine masterpiece.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words like investigate and examine, people often use them interchangeably. However, it is important to note that these two words have different meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Investigate When You Mean Examine

Investigate is often used when people mean to say examine. However, investigate means to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, crime, allegation, or mystery. For instance, the police investigate a crime scene to uncover evidence and identify the perpetrator. On the other hand, examine means to inspect or scrutinize something carefully. For example, a doctor examines a patient to diagnose an illness or injury. Therefore, using investigate when you mean examine can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.

Using Examine When You Mean Investigate

Conversely, using examine when you mean investigate is also a common mistake. Examine means to inspect or scrutinize something carefully, while investigate means to carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, crime, allegation, or mystery. For instance, a journalist investigates a story to gather information and verify its accuracy. On the other hand, a scientist examines a sample under a microscope to study its properties. Therefore, using examine when you mean investigate can also lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning.

Offering Vague Explanations

Another common mistake people make when using investigate and examine is offering vague explanations. For example, saying “I need to investigate the problem” without specifying what you are investigating or why can be confusing. Similarly, saying “I need to examine the issue” without explaining what aspect of the issue you are examining can also be unclear. Therefore, it is important to provide specific details and context when using these words to avoid confusion and ensure clarity.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these mistakes, here are some tips:

• Be clear about what you are investigating or examining
• Use the appropriate word based on the context and intended meaning
• Provide specific details and context to avoid confusion
• Proofread your writing to ensure accuracy and clarity

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “investigate” and “examine,” context is a crucial factor to consider. Both words have similar meanings, but they are used in different contexts to convey different nuances. Understanding the context in which these words are used is essential to using them correctly and effectively.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “investigate” and “examine” might change:

Context	Investigate	Examine
Police Investigation	The police will investigate the crime scene for evidence.	The forensic team will examine the DNA samples collected from the crime scene.
Medical Examination	The doctor will investigate the patient’s symptoms to determine a diagnosis.	The doctor will examine the patient’s body to check for any abnormalities.
Academic Research	The researcher will investigate the effects of climate change on the local ecosystem.	The researcher will examine the data collected from the field study.

In each of these examples, the choice between “investigate” and “examine” depends on the specific context. In a police investigation, “investigate” is used to describe the process of gathering evidence, while “examine” is used to describe the analysis of that evidence. In a medical examination, “investigate” is used to describe the process of determining a diagnosis, while “examine” is used to describe the physical examination of the patient’s body. In academic research, “investigate” is used to describe the process of conducting a study, while “examine” is used to describe the analysis of the data collected.

Overall, understanding the context in which these words are used is critical to using them effectively. By considering the context, you can choose the right word to convey the specific nuance you want to express.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using investigate and examine are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the nuances of each word and how they differ from one another.

Exceptions For Investigate

One exception to the rule for using investigate is when it is used in a legal context. In this case, investigate refers to a formal process of gathering evidence and information in order to build a case. For example, a detective may investigate a crime scene to gather evidence that can be used in court.

Another exception is when investigate is used to describe a scientific or academic study. In this context, investigate refers to a systematic process of gathering and analyzing data in order to draw conclusions about a particular phenomenon. For example, a researcher may investigate the effects of a new drug on a particular population.

Exceptions For Examine

One exception to the rule for using examine is when it is used in a medical context. In this case, examine refers to a physical inspection of a patient’s body in order to diagnose or treat a medical condition. For example, a doctor may examine a patient’s throat to determine if they have strep throat.

Another exception is when examine is used in a more abstract sense to describe a critical analysis of something. For example, one might examine a piece of literature in order to analyze its themes and symbolism.

Exceptions to the Rules for Investigate and Examine

Word	Exception	Example
Investigate	Legal context	A detective investigates a crime scene to gather evidence for a court case.
Investigate	Scientific or academic study	A researcher investigates the effects of a new drug on a particular population.
Examine	Medical context	A doctor examines a patient’s throat to determine if they have strep throat.
Examine	Abstract analysis	One might examine a piece of literature in order to analyze its themes and symbolism.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between investigate and examine, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either investigate or examine:

1. The police will __________ the crime scene for evidence.
2. The doctor will __________ the patient’s symptoms to determine a diagnosis.
3. The journalist will __________ the facts before publishing the article.
4. The auditor will __________ the company’s financial statements for accuracy.
5. The researcher will __________ the effects of the new drug on mice.

Answer Key:

1. investigate
2. examine
3. investigate
4. examine
5. examine

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. The detective decided to __________ the case further.
2. The doctor decided to __________ the patient’s medical history.
3. The journalist decided to __________ the news story to ensure accuracy.
4. The auditor decided to __________ the company’s financial records.
5. The researcher decided to __________ the effects of the new drug on humans.

Answer Key:

1. investigate
2. examine
3. examine
4. examine
5. investigate

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of investigate and examine in sentences. Remember, investigate is used to describe a thorough and in-depth examination, while examine is used to describe a close and detailed inspection. Keep these differences in mind as you continue to use these words in your writing and communication.

Conclusion

After examining and investigating the differences between “investigate” and “examine,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Key Takeaways

• Investigate implies a more thorough and in-depth analysis, while examine suggests a more focused and detailed inspection.
• Investigate is often used in legal or criminal contexts, while examine is more commonly used in academic or medical settings.
• It is important to consider the intended meaning and context when choosing between these two words.

Overall, having a strong understanding of grammar and language use is essential for effective communication. By continuing to learn and expand our knowledge, we can improve our writing and speech and better convey our intended messages.