bore into

USAGE SUMMARY

"bore into" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean to make or create a hole using a tool such as a drill, or to make a strong impact or impression on someone or something. For example: The carpenter bored into the wood to create a new hole. OR His words bored into her conscience, causing her to feel guilty.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His eyes bore into me.

The New York Times

Date mussels (Lithophaga) bore into rocks and corals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He deplores his behavior but he doesn't bore into it.

The New York Times - Books

Buprestidae bore into living and dead trees, generally feeding on the cambium layer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His green eyes bore into you, hoping to be understood but expecting otherwise.

The New Yorker

The secretion of pallial glands enables the date mussel to bore into calcareous rock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But I feel a primal frisson when those implacable amber eyes bore into mine.

Independent

As the rig bore into the earth, wet clay slopped out, landing in a heap.

The Guardian

Unchastened by the miss, Rooney bore into Southampton's defence with relish.

The Guardian - Sport

The beetles bore into trees, creating holes that almost appear drilled.

The New York Times

As I climbed up, the temperature rose sharply and the heat bore into my skin.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bore into" when describing a physical action of creating a hole or penetrating something, or when conveying a sense of intense scrutiny or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "bore into" in contexts where a gentler or more nuanced approach is needed. For example, instead of saying "The speaker's ideas bored into the audience's minds", consider using "resonated with" or "influenced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bore into" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of creating a hole in something physical or, metaphorically, to describe a penetrating gaze or impact. Ludwig examples illustrate both physical and metaphorical usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bore into" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe physical penetration, intense scrutiny, or deep impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various contexts, from news reporting to scientific descriptions. When writing, remember that alternatives like "penetrate" or "scrutinize" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While versatile, avoid overuse in contexts requiring gentler language. "Bore into" is a common and generally accepted phrase, suitable for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drill into

Similar to "bore into" but specifically refers to using a drill.

make a hole in

A literal description of creating an opening.

penetrate

Focuses on the physical action of entering or piercing something.

pierce

Emphasizes sharpness and suddenness in entering or affecting something.

dig into

Suggests a more forceful and thorough exploration of something.

delve into

Implies a thorough and investigative approach, often used for research or analysis.

scrutinize

Highlights the act of examining something closely and critically.

examine closely

A more descriptive alternative for scrutinizing.

gaze intently at

Refers to looking at someone or something with great focus and purpose.

stare intensely at

Implies a prolonged and unwavering look that can be confrontational or deeply thoughtful.

FAQs

How can I use "bore into" in a sentence?

You can use "bore into" to describe the physical act of drilling, as in "The carpenter used a drill to bore into the wood". Alternatively, it can describe an intense gaze, like "His eyes "stared intently at" me" or the deep penetration of an idea as in "The message "penetrated" his mind".

What's a good alternative to "bore into" when describing a physical action?

When describing physical penetration, you can use "drill into", "penetrate", or "pierce". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "bore into" to describe someone's gaze?

Use "bore into" when you want to emphasize the intensity or invasiveness of a look. It suggests that the person is looking at someone with great focus, perhaps to understand them or to intimidate them.

Is "bore into" formal or informal?

The phrase "bore into" is relatively neutral in tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific nuance you want to convey to determine if a more precise word choice would be better.