investigate
verb (used with object)
to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.
were investigating
-
past progressiveof investigate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Coventry said on Sunday they were investigating the video footage while Bradley's mother, Gemma, released her own statement through the Bradley Lowery Foundation, which raises funds and awareness to help and support children with cancer.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026
They returned a bit later in the afternoon to interview residents: "They told us they were investigating someone who lived here, but they didn't say anything else."
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
U.S. government agencies disclosed that they were investigating potential anticompetitive conduct in farm-equipment manufacturing and distribution.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
Sheriff’s deputies following up on the case of a missing person were investigating in the area of East Avenue F and 50th Street East around noon, according to a department statement.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026
“Yeah. But once he sneaked back inside and found out we were investigating, he got worried,” Joe went on.
From "A Monster of a Mystery (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #5)" by Franklin W. Dixon
