investigate
verb (used with object)
to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.
had been investigating
-
past perfect progressiveof investigate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The case Mathipa had been investigating was sensitive.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
Gloucestershire Police had been investigating the death of Webb, 33, who died in hospital after becoming unwell following the treatment.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
The department had been investigating the central bank’s spending on renovations of its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
From Barron's ● Apr. 25, 2026
Burbank Police already had been investigating, according to the indictment, after the owner told police his home had been sold without his knowledge.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 12, 2026
When it had gone past, he crossed the road, keeping his eyes on the spot where the cat had been investigating.
From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman
