Subject to further investigation
Hedging expression to soften claims
字面意思: Dependent on more searching for the truth
Use this phrase to provide a preliminary answer while protecting yourself from being held responsible for inaccuracies.
15秒了解
- A professional way to say 'I might be wrong.'
- Used to protect your reputation when giving unverified info.
- Common in business, law, and serious news reporting.
- Signals that more research is currently being done.
意思
This phrase is a professional way of saying 'I think this is true, but I might change my mind once I have all the facts.' It acts as a safety net so you aren't blamed if things change later.
关键例句
3 / 6In a business meeting
The project seems to be on budget, subject to further investigation of the recent invoices.
The project seems to be on budget, depending on a closer look at recent bills.
Discussing a broken appliance with a roommate
I think the fridge is dead, subject to further investigation by a repairman.
I think the fridge is broken, but we need a pro to check it.
A news reporter at a crime scene
The cause of the fire is unknown and subject to further investigation.
We don't know why the fire started; experts are still looking.
文化背景
This phrase originates from legal and scientific fields where absolute certainty is rare without empirical proof. It became popular in corporate culture as a way to manage expectations and mitigate risk. In English-speaking cultures, using such 'hedging' language is often seen as a sign of high intelligence and professional maturity.
The 'Smart' Factor
Using this phrase in a meeting makes you look like you have high standards for truth. It prevents you from looking impulsive.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this for every single question, people will think you never know what you're talking about. Use it only for big claims.
15秒了解
- A professional way to say 'I might be wrong.'
- Used to protect your reputation when giving unverified info.
- Common in business, law, and serious news reporting.
- Signals that more research is currently being done.
What It Means
Subject to further investigation is your ultimate 'get out of jail free' card. It means you are giving an opinion or a preliminary result now. However, you are making it clear that the final answer isn't ready yet. Think of it like a weather forecast. You say it looks sunny, but you might be wrong if the wind changes. It protects your reputation by showing you are being careful. You aren't lying; you are just being cautious.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the start or end of a claim. It works best when you are asked for an answer before you are ready. Use it to bridge the gap between a guess and a fact. It sounds very authoritative and smart. Even if you are just guessing why your friend's car broke down, saying this makes you sound like a mechanic. Just don't use it for obvious things like 'The sky is blue.'
When To Use It
This is perfect for the workplace. Use it during meetings when a boss asks for data you haven't double-checked. It is also great for serious personal situations. If you are accusing someone of eating your lunch, use this to stay polite. It is common in news reports and legal settings too. Use it whenever the stakes are high and you don't want to be wrong. It shows you value accuracy over speed.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in casual, high-energy social settings. If your partner asks if you love them, do not say this! You will end up sleeping on the couch. It is too cold for romantic or very emotional moments. Also, don't use it if you actually have the final answer. Using it then makes you look indecisive or even sneaky. It can feel like you are hiding something if used too much.
Cultural Background
Western culture, especially in the US and UK, values 'hedging' in professional life. This comes from a legalistic tradition where being wrong can have consequences. We like to sound objective and scientific. It reflects a cultural respect for 'due process' and evidence. It also shows a bit of 'CYA' (Cover Your Assets) culture. We want to be helpful, but we don't want to be sued or fired for a mistake.
Common Variations
You might hear pending further review or subject to verification. In casual talk, people might say don't quote me on that. Another common one is as far as I know. However, subject to further investigation remains the gold standard for sounding official. It implies a deep, serious process is happening in the background. It turns a simple 'maybe' into a professional 'perhaps'.
使用说明
This is a high-level C1 expression. It is most effective in written reports or formal presentations. In spoken English, it can sound slightly 'stiff' unless used for humor or in a very serious professional context.
The 'Smart' Factor
Using this phrase in a meeting makes you look like you have high standards for truth. It prevents you from looking impulsive.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this for every single question, people will think you never know what you're talking about. Use it only for big claims.
The Irony Secret
Native speakers often use this for tiny, silly things (like a missing sock) to sound like a detective. It's a common form of 'dry' English humor.
例句
6The project seems to be on budget, subject to further investigation of the recent invoices.
The project seems to be on budget, depending on a closer look at recent bills.
Protects the speaker if hidden costs appear later.
I think the fridge is dead, subject to further investigation by a repairman.
I think the fridge is broken, but we need a pro to check it.
Adds a touch of mock-seriousness to a household problem.
The cause of the fire is unknown and subject to further investigation.
We don't know why the fire started; experts are still looking.
Standard journalistic phrasing to avoid legal liability.
Apparently, they broke up, but that's subject to further investigation lol.
I heard they broke up, but I need to find out more.
Uses formal language ironically for gossip.
The initial scans look clear, subject to further investigation by the specialist.
The first pictures look okay, but the expert needs to check.
Provides hope without making a final promise.
I didn't mean to forget our anniversary, though that claim is likely subject to further investigation.
I didn't mean to forget, but I know you'll want more proof.
Self-deprecating humor during a tense moment.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional sentence.
The merger will be successful, ___ by the legal team.
This phrase fits the formal tone of a business merger discussion.
Which phrase acts as a 'safety net' for your statement?
The data suggests a 10% increase, ___.
It indicates that the 10% figure is preliminary and could change.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Subject to further investigation'
I'll check on that.
Let me look into it.
Pending more info.
I'm still checking.
Official hedging.
Subject to further investigation.
Where to use the phrase
Corporate Meeting
Reporting quarterly results.
Scientific Report
Discussing new lab findings.
Legal Context
Police statements to media.
Irony with Friends
Investigating who stole the pizza.
常见问题
10 个问题Not at all! While it sounds like a police report, it is used in offices, science labs, and even casual jokes. It just means 'I need more info.'
Yes, it is perfect for professional emails. For example: The error is fixed, subject to further investigation of the server logs.
No, it actually means you are being honest about your uncertainty. It shows you want to be 100% sure before making a final claim.
You can say I'm still looking into it or I'll have to double-check. These mean the same thing but sound less like a lawyer.
Always use subject to. This means the statement is dependent on the investigation. Subject of would mean the investigation itself is the topic.
Yes! You can say You got the job, subject to further investigation of your references. It just means the deal isn't 100% closed yet.
It sounds more serious than 'looking.' It implies a deep, methodical search for the truth, which adds weight to your words.
It is used in both! It is a standard part of International Business English and is understood globally.
Yes. For example: Subject to further investigation, we believe the leak was caused by a pipe burst.
Using it for things that are already certain. Don't say I am wearing a hat, subject to further investigation. It makes you sound confused!
相关表达
Pending further review
Subject to change
Pending verification
Under scrutiny
Provisional results
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