deepen

USAGE SUMMARY

The word deepen is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an increase in intensity or complexity. For example: "The discussion was quickly becoming more intense as the conversation deepened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But his arrival seems likely to deepen a rift between Libya and the international criminal court (ICC).

The Guardian

A once-retired general leading a sweeping offensive against Islamists has been named Libyan army chief, an official said Monday, in a move expected to deepen divisions in the conflict-riven country.

The Guardian

In day-nighters (more rare at Lord's than elsewhere due to planning restrictions), I like to spend half an hour in the Compton Stand as dusk falls, to watch the blush pink brickwork deepen to bloody scarlet as it retreats a little, the artificial floodlights creating a new palette for our eyes to appreciate.

The Guardian - Sport

We then want to deepen our relationships with these campaigners and get them more involved in our work, for example by taking other types of action such as meeting with their local MP and parliamentary candidates.

The Guardian

Lee Glendinning, editor of Guardian US, said: "It is an incredible privilege to lead Guardian US as we continue to cover the stories that matter to our American audience and to deepen our engagement with readers around the world.

The Guardian

Having an on-set entomologist helped deepen meanings in the film, and Strickland was particularly struck by the rich, strange language of lepidoptera.

The Guardian - Film

Harris said the ties were only likely to deepen as technology moves ever more of our communications on line.

The Guardian - Tech

With climate change increasing the risks of these disasters, and squeezing finite resources, McFarlane fears that these triple injustices will only deepen.

The Guardian

Demonising Powell doesn't help to deepen our understanding.

The Guardian

Cameron is expected to use the occasion to show that the coalition is committed to delivering the pledge, outlined by the leaders of the three main UK parties in the final days of the campaign, to deepen Scotland's devolution settlement.

The Guardian

The Orbán government has also been reproached for intimidating independent civic groups, including corruption watchdogs and minority advocates, and for its efforts to deepen ties with Russia.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deepen" to describe an increasing level of understanding, intimacy, or intensity. For instance, "deepen your understanding" or "deepen your relationship".

Common error

Avoid using "deepen" when a simpler verb like "increase" or "expand" would suffice. Overusing "deepen" can make your writing sound pretentious. For example, instead of saying "deepen the color", consider "darken the color".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deepen" is as a verb. It commonly describes the act of making something more profound, intense, or extensive. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "deepen" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of making something more profound, intense, or extensive. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and is very common in various contexts, including news and media, formal and business, and science. When writing with "deepen", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning; avoid using it superficially. Consider alternatives such as "intensify", "enhance", or "strengthen" when appropriate. The provided guidance and examples offer a robust understanding of how to effectively incorporate "deepen" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensify

Focuses on increasing the strength or degree of something.

enhance

Highlights improving the quality or desirability of something.

strengthen

Implies making something more robust or resilient.

escalate

Suggests a rapid increase in intensity or severity.

amplify

Indicates increasing the magnitude or effect of something.

aggravate

Implies making something worse or more serious.

heighten

Focuses on increasing the intensity of a feeling or effect.

compound

Suggests adding to something to make it worse or more significant.

exacerbate

Indicates making a problem or situation worse.

reinforce

Implies strengthening or supporting an existing idea or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "deepen" in a sentence?

The word "deepen" can be used to describe making something more intense, profound, or extensive. For example, "The crisis threatened to "deepen the divide" between the two factions".

What are some synonyms for "deepen"?

Alternatives to "deepen" include "intensify", "enhance", or "strengthen", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "deepen" instead of "increase"?

"Deepen" is more appropriate when referring to something becoming more profound, complex, or intimately connected. "Increase" is generally used for quantitative growth. For example, you might "increase profits" but "deepen your understanding".

What is the difference between "deepen" and "worsen"?

"Deepen" generally implies making something more intense or profound, without necessarily a negative connotation. "Worsen", on the other hand, specifically means to make something bad become worse. For example, "deepen ties" is neutral or positive, while "worsen the crisis" is negative.