deep down

USAGE SUMMARY

"deep down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express a strong feeling or emotion that is not usually visible on the surface. For example: "Deep down, I think he knew what he was doing was wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Deep down, I'm good.

The New Yorker

Deep down, everyone did.

The Guardian - Sport

It's stuck deep down inside.

The New Yorker

Deep down inside him.

The New Yorker

Deep down inside, Contador had expected it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Deep down, you want to come back.

The New York Times - Sports

Deep down, I promise you one thing.

Independent

Deep down, Valentine probably knows better.

The New York Times - Sports

Lieutenant Horne, probably deep down, knew that".

The New Yorker

Deep down, I really do understand Levine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Something was amiss deep-down.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep down" to reveal a character's true feelings or motivations, especially when they contrast with their outward behavior. For instance, "He acted tough, but deep down, he was scared."

Common error

Avoid using "deep down" when the context already implies inner feelings or hidden truths. Redundancy weakens your writing. For example, instead of saying "Deep down, he secretly hoped", simply write "He secretly hoped."

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "deep down" primarily functions to modify verbs or adjectives, indicating the location of a feeling or belief within one's inner self. Ludwig examples show it modifying states of being, revealing hidden or underlying sentiments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deep down" is a very common adverbial phrase used to express underlying truths or hidden feelings. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to reveal authentic sentiments, often contrasting with outward appearances. While versatile, avoid redundancy and use it judiciously. Alternatives like "at heart" or "in reality" can offer nuanced variations. Use "deep down" to add depth and authenticity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at heart

Focuses on the inherent nature or true self.

in reality

Emphasizes the actual state of affairs, contrasting with appearances.

fundamentally

Highlights the basic or essential nature of something.

in essence

Captures the core or most important aspect.

at bottom

Implies a fundamental or root cause.

in one's soul

Highlights a profound sense of conviction or feeling

inwardly

Refers to inner thoughts or feelings, often hidden from others.

intrinsically

Describes something that is inherently part of someone or something.

privately

Indicates thoughts or feelings that are kept to oneself.

subconsciously

Refers to feelings or beliefs that operate below conscious awareness.

FAQs

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

You can use "deep down" to express someone's true feelings or hidden beliefs, like "Deep down, she knew he was right" or "He seemed confident, but deep down, he was nervous".

What phrases are similar to "deep down"?

Similar phrases include "at heart", "in reality", and "fundamentally". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "deep down inside" instead of "deep down"?

While "deep down inside" isn't incorrect, it can sometimes sound redundant. "Deep down" is usually sufficient and more concise. However, "deep down inside" can add emphasis in certain contexts.

What is the register of the phrase "deep down"?

The phrase "deep down" is generally considered neutral to informal. It's suitable for most conversations and writings, but might be too informal for some academic or highly formal contexts.