begins to dig

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins to dig" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initiation of an action, particularly in contexts involving excavation or metaphorical exploration. Example: "As the archaeologist examines the site, he begins to dig in search of ancient artifacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

And then he begins to dig.

The New Yorker

After an hour's search, Diana begins to dig vigorously at a slender poplar.

The New York Times - Food

After a pause to uncurl its body and shell from the cramped conditions within the egg, the hatchling begins to dig upward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once the female finds a desired nesting site, she begins to dig the chamber with alternate scooping movements of the hind limbs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, the 0.3% increase is statistically insignificant and barely begins to dig the typical family out its post-recession hole.

The Economist

She's drawn into a last-ditch attempt to save Goodwin by his lawyers and begins to dig, tentatively, into her past.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Biklé began to dig.

The Guardian

Perkins began to dig.

The Guardian - Travel

I began to dig enthusiastically.

The New York Times

Workmen got out and began to dig.

The New York Times - Arts

Then she fell to her knees and began to dig.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begins to dig" to describe the initial stage of an activity that involves uncovering or investigating something, whether literally or figuratively. For instance, "The detective begins to dig into the suspect's past."

Common error

Avoid using "begins to dig" too frequently in metaphorical contexts, as it can become cliché. Instead, consider more specific verbs like 'investigates', 'explores', or 'researches' to convey a more nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins to dig" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It describes the start of either a literal excavation or a metaphorical investigation. Ludwig provides numerous examples, illustrating its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begins to dig" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the start of either a physical excavation or a metaphorical investigation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating its suitability for various contexts. Alternatives include "starts to excavate" or "commences to delve", offering slight variations in tone and emphasis. When using "begins to dig", avoid overusing it metaphorically to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts to excavate

Replaces 'begins' with 'starts' and 'dig' with 'excavate', emphasizing a more formal tone for the action of digging.

starts unearthing

Replaces 'begins' with 'starts' and 'dig' with 'unearthing', highlighting the act of revealing something hidden.

commences to delve

Substitutes 'begins' with 'commences' and 'dig' with 'delve', providing a more literary and investigative nuance.

undertakes the excavation

Replaces 'begins' with 'undertakes', emphasizing a deliberate and planned effort to excavate.

initiates the search

Replaces the literal action of digging with the start of a search, focusing on the investigative aspect.

kicks off investigation

Uses a more modern and informal expression to indicate the start of an investigative process.

embarks on exploration

Shifts the focus to a broader sense of exploration, rather than just physical digging.

launches inquiry

Focuses on starting an official inquiry or investigation, rather than physical digging.

opens inquiry

Similarly emphasizes the commencement of an investigation, often in a formal context.

initiates groundwork

Highlights the commencement of basic preparatory work, which can be both literal and metaphorical.

FAQs

How can I use "begins to dig" in a sentence?

You can use "begins to dig" to describe the start of an excavation or investigation. For example, "The archaeologist "begins to dig" at the site after preliminary surveys" or "The journalist "begins to dig" into the company's financial records".

What are some alternatives to "begins to dig"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "starts to excavate", "commences to delve", or "initiates the search".

When is it appropriate to use "begins to dig" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "begins to dig" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the initial stages of an investigation or inquiry. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, the lawyer "begins to dig" for inconsistencies".

What's the difference between "begins to dig" and "starts to dig"?

The phrases "begins to dig" and "starts to dig" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "begins to dig" might imply a slightly more formal or deliberate action than "starts to dig".