investigator

Everyday

1. An investigator is a person whose job is to find out the facts about something, such as a crime or an accident, by asking questions and looking for evidence. tree →
2. A private investigator is a detective who is paid by people, not by the police. tree →
3. In science, an investigator is a researcher who carries out a study. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, pupils become investigators: they ask a question, plan a fair test, collect evidence and draw conclusions. In stories, investigators solve mysteries, and in the news, investigators look at the causes of accidents, such as air crash investigators. Common phrases: «private investigator», «crime scene investigator», «accident investigator», «lead investigator».

Examples

• The investigator searched the room for clues. tree →
• A private investigator was hired to find the missing dog. tree →
• Accident investigators studied the train crash. tree →
• In science today, we will be investigators and test which paper towel is strongest. tree →
• The investigator asked each witness what they saw. tree →
• Crime scene investigators wear suits so they do not spoil the evidence. tree →
• The lead investigator held a press conference. tree →

Note

Plural: investigators. Built from «investigate» + «-or». «Private investigator» is often shortened to «PI» or «private eye». A detective is a police investigator.