deeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deeper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is not simply superficial, but instead is more profound or intense. For example, "The deeper we got into the conversation, the more passionate he became."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I think it goes deeper than that.

The Economist

That defeat to Kumkhum last year hurt badly, Kvitova said, but it may also have helped her dig deeper to find the form that won her another Wimbledon.

The Guardian - Sport

Merkel cannot understand how through the last UK parliament Cameron let himself be pushed into ever deeper commitments on Europe by the anti-EU factions in his party, only to find that his opponents would raise the bar still further.

The Guardian

That means that, without continuing high levels of net migration, even deeper spending cuts and higher taxes would be needed before Britain reaches Osborne's sunshine-filled economic pastures.

The Guardian

Unfairness needs no deeper philosophy to explain it than this.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we are looking for social context to the recent riots, we have to dig deeper.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Manchester's library vandals know the cost of everything and value of nothing | Letters: Ralph Gee What the Manchester story seems to symbolise runs even deeper.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything that can is creeping back down below to the warmth of deeper soils.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They say it is in their combined interest to push for deeper European integration.

The Guardian

The lack of a convincing answer has left the generals vulnerable to even deeper cuts than those due to be officially announced on Thursday.

The Guardian

Its roots are far deeper than 20th-century ideologies, drawing upon Aristotle and Catholic social thought every bit as much as the English commonwealth tradition of federal democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deeper" to suggest a more thorough investigation or a more profound emotional connection, not simply to mean "more" in a literal, quantifiable sense.

Common error

Avoid using "deeper" merely as a synonym for "more" or "very". Its comparative nature requires a genuine comparison to something less profound or thorough. Instead of "deeper problems", consider "significant problems" or "serious issues" if no prior comparison exists.

Linguistic Context

The word "deeper" primarily functions as a comparative adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a greater degree of depth, intensity, or thoroughness compared to something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Opinion

18%

Business

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Sport

8%

Books

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deeper" is a versatile comparative adjective used to denote a greater degree of depth, intensity, or thoroughness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it is very common across a variety of contexts, including news media, opinion pieces, and business publications. When using "deeper", remember to ensure a clear comparison is implied and avoid using it merely as a synonym for "more". Consider alternatives like "more profound" or "more intense" based on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these nuances will help you use the word "deeper" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more profound

Shifts from a comparative adjective to a more emphatic descriptor of depth.

more intense

Focuses on the heightened degree of feeling or impact.

more thorough

Emphasizes completeness and detail in examination or analysis.

more insightful

Highlights the quality of providing a clearer understanding.

further reaching

Indicates a broader scope or influence.

more penetrating

Suggests the ability to see or understand beyond the surface.

more acute

Emphasizes the sharpness or severity of a situation.

more complex

Highlights the intricate nature of something.

more extensive

Focuses on the broad coverage or scale.

more elaborate

Emphasizes the detailed and intricate nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "deeper" in a sentence?

Use "deeper" to describe something that is more profound, intense, or thorough than something else. For example, "The well was much deeper than we initially thought" or "She developed a deeper understanding of the subject after years of study".

What are some alternatives to the word "deeper"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "deeper" include "more profound", "more intense", "more thorough", or "more insightful".

Which is correct, "deeper understanding" or "deep understanding"?

"Deeper understanding" implies a comparison to a previous, less complete understanding. "Deep understanding" suggests a profound comprehension without explicit comparison. Both are valid, but their use depends on the context. For instance, if someone already has some knowledge of a topic, saying they gained a "deeper understanding" is correct.

What's the difference between "deeper" and "more profound"?

"Deeper" is a comparative adjective indicating a greater degree of depth, intensity, or penetration than something else. "More profound" emphasizes significance and insight, suggesting a more substantial or meaningful understanding. Consider for instance, saying something has a "more profound" impact.