a deeper hole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deeper hole" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a hole that is greater in depth compared to another hole or when metaphorically referring to a situation that is becoming more complicated or problematic. Example: "After digging for hours, we realized we had created a deeper hole than we intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Figurative Language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We fell into a deeper hole, faster".

The New York Times

"She was digging herself a deeper hole".

The New York Times

"The Republicans just keep digging a deeper hole," he said.

The New York Times

Now they are in a deeper hole than ever.

The New York Times

A groundhog couldn't have dug a deeper hole.

The New York Times - Sports

A forbearance is only a temporary solution, which often digs the borrower into a deeper hole.

The New York Times

Three minutes later, two disastrous plays put the Giants in a deeper hole.

The New York Times - Sports

The Rangers seemed to be digging themselves a deeper hole just after the next face-off.

The New York Times - Sports

But he argued that by delaying, the fund helped Argentina dig itself into a deeper hole.

The New York Times

He stumbled badly in each case, digging himself a deeper hole.

The New York Times

Digging a deeper hole for himself, he then introduces the question of Zionism.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deeper hole" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes what 'digging' represents. For instance, specify actions or decisions that lead to the worsening situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a deeper hole" when a simpler description of a problem suffices. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact. Consider direct alternatives to clarify the issue at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deeper hole" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "deeper" modifies the noun "hole". It's commonly used metaphorically to describe a worsening situation, as supported by examples from Ludwig, where the phrase indicates increasing difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sports

17%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deeper hole" is a common and grammatically sound phrase, typically used metaphorically to describe a worsening situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Sports. While semantically negative, its register is generally neutral, making it versatile for various writing styles. When using the phrase, it is important to ensure the context is clear and concise to avoid misinterpretation and overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bottomless pit

Uses the hyperbole of a never ending negative situation, differing from the finite extent of a hole.

a downward spiral

Emphasizes the continuous and accelerating nature of decline, implying a loss of control.

a quagmire

Highlights the difficulty in extricating oneself from a complex and troublesome situation.

a greater predicament

Focuses on the challenging situation, highlighting difficulty and complexity instead of depth.

a slippery slope

Focuses on the progressively worsening nature of a situation, introducing an element of continuous decline.

a more profound difficulty

Emphasizes the seriousness and significance of the problem, rather than spatial depth.

a worse situation

A general term for a negative state, lacking the nuances of depth or entrapment.

a more complicated problem

Highlights the complexity of the issue, shifting the focus from severity to intricacy.

a greater setback

Focuses on the idea of a temporary impediment and a reversal of progress.

a larger crisis

Indicates a critical point with widespread impact, differing from the personal or contained sense of "hole".

FAQs

How can I use "a deeper hole" in a sentence?

You can use "a deeper hole" to describe situations that are worsening or becoming more problematic. For example, "By taking out another loan, they're only digging "a deeper hole" for themselves".

What are some alternatives to "a deeper hole"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a worse situation", "a greater predicament", or "a downward spiral".

When is it appropriate to use "a deeper hole" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that a situation is not just bad, but is increasingly difficult to escape from or resolve. Ensure the context clarifies what actions are contributing to this "digging".

Is "a deeper hole" always negative?

Yes, the phrase "a deeper hole" almost always carries a negative connotation, indicating a worsening situation, problem, or debt. It implies increased difficulty in recovery or resolution.