dabble in

USAGE SUMMARY

"dabble in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean to experiment or try out something, often casually and without any real commitment. For example, "I've been dabbling in photography lately".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why dabble in yellow metal?

The Times

They have found it useful to dabble in xenophobia to support a cause.

The Economist

Ducks dabble in ponds.

The New York Times - Science

I like to dabble in all three.

Independent

"It's not something people can dabble in.

The New York Times

Would he dabble in soulful miniatures?

The Guardian - Music

He does not dabble in any stocks.

The New York Times

He liked to dabble in modern art.

The Guardian - Business

Some places dabble in too many styles.

The New York Times - Food

Today, even those who dabble in co-working have options.

The New York Times

Lustig certainly doesn't dabble in shades of gray.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dabble in" when you want to express a casual or non-committal involvement in a subject or activity. It's ideal for describing hobbies, initial explorations, or fleeting interests.

Common error

Avoid using "dabble in" when you intend to convey expertise or mastery. "Dabble in" suggests a beginner's or casual approach, not in-depth knowledge or skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dabble in" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a casual or superficial involvement in an activity or subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing hobbies, interests, or areas of exploration without deep commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dabble in" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a casual or non-committal engagement with a subject or activity. According to Ludwig, this phrase effectively communicates a lack of deep expertise or serious dedication. It is used neutrally across various registers, with a significant presence in news and media, academic circles, and business contexts. When writing, be mindful of the nuance of "dabble in", ensuring it accurately reflects a lighthearted or exploratory involvement rather than mastery or specialization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiment with

Suggests a more active and intentional approach to trying something new.

toy with

Implies a less serious and more playful engagement.

dip into

Conveys a brief and exploratory involvement.

try out

Focuses on the act of testing something to see if it's suitable.

have a go at

An informal way of saying to try something.

venture into

Suggests a more exploratory and potentially risky engagement.

get involved in

Implies some level of commitment or participation.

flirt with

Suggests a tentative and not entirely serious interest.

have a crack at

An informal way to say try something, often implying a challenge.

meddle with

Implies interference or tinkering, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "dabble in" in a sentence?

You can use "dabble in" to describe a casual or non-committal involvement in something. For example, "She likes to "experiment with" different art forms, so she might say she "dabbles in painting and sculpture".

What's a good alternative for "dabble in"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "try out", ""experiment with"", or "dip into" to convey a similar meaning of casual or exploratory engagement.

Is it correct to say "dabble at" instead of "dabble in"?

While "dabble" can be used alone, the phrase "dabble in" is more common and idiomatic when referring to an activity or subject. "Dabble at" is less frequently used and might sound awkward to some speakers.

How does "dabble in" differ from "specialize in"?

"Dabble in" implies a casual, non-expert involvement, while "specialize in" suggests focused expertise and dedication in a particular area. One might "dabble in photography" as a hobby, but "specialize in portrait photography" as a profession.