What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inspected
Example
The mechanic inspected the car to make sure it was safe to drive. [inspected: verb]
Example
The inspector carefully inspected each piece of equipment before approving it for use. [inspected: past tense]
investigate
Example
The police are investigating the robbery that occurred last night. [investigating: present participle]
Example
The committee was tasked with investigating the allegations of fraud. [investigate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inspect is more commonly used than investigate in everyday language. Inspect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while investigate is less common and is typically used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inspected and investigate?
While both inspect and investigate can be used in formal or professional contexts, investigate is generally considered more formal and serious than inspect.
