burrow down

USAGE SUMMARY

"burrow down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing an animal or person that is digging or pushing down into the ground in order to create a tunnel or hole. For example: "The rabbit quickly burrowed down into the ground to escape the predators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Technology

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Burrow down on a cold night and marvel.

The Guardian - Film

The plums will burrow down into the cake while cooking, which is perfectly fine!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its rituals are buds on a tree, the roots of which cross oceans and burrow down through centuries.

The Economist

The idea, Ledingham says, is that SiteTrust will burrow down to a lower level than any malware on the system.

MIT Technology Review

The architects would burrow down from the parlor floor of the tenement into its basement and below.

The New York Times

If the soil is very cold or very hot, they will burrow down to get to safer locations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The academy rewards burrowing down rather than cultivating across fields of inquiry.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The kids have burrowed down into the luggage and returned to sleep.

The New Yorker

"Like a jackhammer, burrowing down, things begin to crack and splinter," he said.

The New York Times

It is not a linear trilogy, but a vertical one, a movie that burrows down and spreads out.

The New York Times

He closed his eyes again, tight, and burrowed down into the warmth of the bedclothes and his own familiar fetor.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burrow down" when describing animals creating tunnels or humans seeking shelter underground. For example, "The groundhog burrowed down to escape the cold".

Common error

Avoid using "burrow down" when you mean to "delve into" or "investigate thoroughly". "Burrow down" primarily describes physical actions, not abstract exploration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burrow down" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes the action of digging or moving downwards into something, as demonstrated by Ludwig in examples like animals burrowing into the soil for safety or shelter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Technology

5%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "burrow down" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating that it primarily describes the physical action of digging or moving downward into something. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, with a neutral register. When writing, be mindful of using it to describe physical actions and avoid misusing it metaphorically when you intend a more investigative expression. Related options include "delve into" or "dig deep", which are not interchangeable with the core sense of "burrow down".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burrow in

Similar, but lacks the directional emphasis of "down".

bore down

Similar, but implies a more forceful or aggressive action of penetrating something.

dig deep

Emphasizes thorough investigation or effort, rather than physical movement.

delve into

Implies a detailed exploration of a topic, differing from the physical connotation.

nestle down

Suggests settling comfortably into a lower position, emphasizing comfort and security.

tunnel under

Focuses on creating a passage beneath something, highlighting the act of tunneling.

retreat into

Suggests withdrawing into a safe or comfortable space, either physically or mentally.

descend into

Indicates a downward movement, which can be literal or figurative, suggesting a decline or immersion.

sink into

Implies a gradual downward movement, often associated with comfort or absorption.

dig in

Focuses on starting something with determination, which is quite different from the physical action of digging down.

FAQs

How can I use "burrow down" in a sentence?

You can use "burrow down" to describe the action of digging or pushing into the ground, like "The rabbit burrowed down to make its home" or "The child burrowed down under the covers to hide".

What is the difference between "burrow down" and "dig deep"?

"Burrow down" typically refers to a physical action of creating a tunnel or hole. "Dig deep" is usually metaphorical, meaning to investigate thoroughly or make a strong effort.

What can I say instead of "burrow down"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "dig in", "tunnel under", or "nestle down". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "burrowed down" grammatically correct?

Yes, "burrowed down" is the past tense form of "burrow down" and is grammatically correct. For example, "The animal burrowed down into the earth yesterday".