crept into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'crept into' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something entering a place quietly and often unnoticed. For example, "He crept into the room, careful not to make a sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I crept into bed.

Independent

"It crept into the paintings.

The New York Times

Politics has crept into encounters.

The Economist

The discomfort crept into his personal life.

The New York Times

"Some selectivity has crept into the market".

The New York Times

And basketball, too, has crept into conversations.

The New York Times

Thoughts of motherhood crept into her consciousness.

The New York Times - Sports

An amused expression crept into his eyes.

The New Yorker

A murky foreboding crept into my heart.

The New Yorker

Pessimism crept into the sunniest nation.

The New York Times

The tiredness crept into our bones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crept into" to describe a subtle, gradual, and often unnoticed entry or influence. It adds a nuance of stealth or quiet progression.

Common error

While "crept into" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more direct and precise verbs like "entered", "influenced", or "affected" when appropriate for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crept into" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It describes the action of something gradually and subtly entering or affecting something else, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crept into" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe a gradual, subtle, and often unnoticed entry or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that while common, more precise verbs may be preferred in formal settings. "Crept into" conveys a sense of stealthy progression, making it ideal for describing emotions, changes, or influences that develop over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slid into

Emphasizes a smooth and effortless entry, often unnoticed.

sneaked into

Suggests a secretive or unauthorized entry.

infiltrated

Indicates a gradual and often surreptitious entry into an organization or system.

insinuated itself into

Implies a subtle and indirect entry, often unwelcome.

penetrated

Implies a forceful or invasive entry.

filtered into

Suggests a slow and pervasive entry, like a liquid passing through a filter.

wormed its way into

Suggests a cunning or manipulative entry.

percolated into

Implies a gradual spread or diffusion into something.

gradually affected

Focuses on the progressive influence or impact of something.

gained entry

Highlights the act of entering, without specifying how.

FAQs

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

You can use "crept into" to describe something that enters or influences something gradually and subtly. For example, "A feeling of unease "crept into" the meeting as the discussion continued."

What are some alternatives to using "crept into"?

Alternatives to "crept into" include "slid into", "sneaked into", or "infiltrated", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "crept into" and "entered"?

"Crept into" implies a gradual, subtle, and often unnoticed entry, while "entered" is a more direct and neutral term. Use "crept into" when you want to emphasize the stealthy or progressive nature of the entry.

Can "crept into" be used to describe emotions or feelings?

Yes, "crept into" is commonly used to describe the gradual onset of emotions or feelings. For example, "A sense of sadness "crept into" her as she remembered the past."