barely scratch the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

'barely scratch the surface' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe something incomplete or to emphasize that only the very basics have been explored. For example, "We've only barely scratched the surface of understanding how quantum mechanics works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

These examples barely scratch the surface.

Independent

But these factors barely scratch the surface.

The Guardian

But educational reforms alone will barely scratch the surface.

The Guardian - Opinion

Training schemes and exploitative, unpaid work barely scratch the surface.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even genuinely well-meaning policies barely scratch the surface.

The Guardian - Opinion

A new study suggests those accusations barely scratch the surface.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This barely scratches the surface.

The Guardian

I've barely scratched the surface.

Independent

But I'm barely scratching the surface.

The Guardian

But they barely scratched the surface.

The Washington Post

The menu barely scratches the surface.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barely scratch the surface" when you want to convey that an initial effort has only touched upon a much larger or more complex issue. It emphasizes the need for further exploration or action.

Common error

Avoid using "barely scratch the surface" when you actually mean that a thorough job has been done. This phrase is intended to highlight incompleteness, not completion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely scratch the surface" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that an initial effort or exploration has only touched upon a small part of a much larger or more complex issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes incompleteness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "barely scratch the surface" is a commonly used idiom to convey that an initial effort has only touched upon a much larger, complex issue. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, and the phrase appears frequently in news media, academic, and business contexts. It is useful for emphasizing the need for further exploration. To drive home this message consider similar alternatives like "just touch the surface" or "only begin to address". Be aware that this phrase sets the expectations to communicate incompleteness, and not the other way around.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just touch the surface

Emphasizes minimal engagement or exploration.

only begin to address

Focuses on the initial stage of dealing with something.

only skim the top

Suggests a superficial understanding or treatment.

not even begin to cover

Highlights the vastness of the topic compared to what has been addressed.

fail to fully explore

Emphasizes the lack of comprehensive investigation.

hardly make a dent

Indicates minimal impact or progress.

only hint at

Implies a subtle or indirect reference.

glance at briefly

Highlights quick look without deep consideration.

just get a glimpse of

Suggests a brief and incomplete view.

leave much to be desired

Indicates incompleteness.

FAQs

How can I use "barely scratch the surface" in a sentence?

You can use "barely scratch the surface" to indicate that an effort has only touched upon a much larger or more complex issue. For example, "These introductory courses "barely scratch the surface" of quantum physics".

What does "barely scratch the surface" mean?

The phrase "barely scratch the surface" means to only deal with a small part of a problem or a topic; to start dealing with something, but without affecting it in any important way.

What can I say instead of "barely scratch the surface"?

You can use alternatives like "only begin to address", "just touch the surface", or "only skim the top" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "just scratch the surface" instead of "barely scratch the surface"?

Yes, "just scratch the surface" is a valid alternative to "barely scratch the surface", though "barely" adds emphasis to the minimal impact. Both indicate a superficial engagement with a topic.