dig away

USAGE SUMMARY

"dig away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean to continue working or digging with determination or enthusiasm. Example: The archaeologist was so excited about the discovery that he couldn't wait to dig away at the site and uncover more artifacts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

There is such care on the children's faces as they earnestly dig away at the soil.

The Guardian

They used shovels to dig away the snow and free the animals, before giving them a rubdown.

The Times

You're laughing not just at what Noble says, but at the cheery doggedness with which he'll dig away at some inauspicious seam until – as if we ever doubted it – it yields its comedy bounty.

The Guardian

To dig away at the issue, the project's experiments do not just randomly assign people to watch certain types of content, but also give some people their choice of content, so as to better evaluate the effects of media on a variety of people.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A number of people are engaged in activities to dig away at China's political foundations in the name of historical debate.

BBC

Newcastle give the ball away deep in their half and the dangerous Yannick Bolasie whips in a low cross which Fabricio Coloccini stretches to dig away.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Digging away until you find something.

The Guardian - Books

Next thing I'm there on the roads digging away.

The Guardian - Sport

PETER CAREY, digging away at the past, is one of fiction's great treasure hunters.

The New York Times - Books

Around 30 excavators were also digging away at the site last night as temperatures fell to just below freezing.

Independent

Similarly, The Slap dug away at the idea of a happily integrated community at peace with its immigrant population.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dig away" to convey a sense of persistent effort in uncovering something, whether literal (excavating earth) or figurative (investigating a mystery).

Common error

Avoid using "dig away" only in the literal sense of physical digging; its strength lies in its ability to describe relentless effort in uncovering information or solving problems.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dig away" is as a phrasal verb, where "dig" acts as the main verb and "away" functions as a particle modifying its meaning. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dig away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express persistent effort in uncovering something, whether literally or figuratively. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and enjoys common usage across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While it's crucial to appreciate its figurative potential beyond mere physical excavation, remember its ability to describe relentless investigation and problem-solving. Its neutral register and common occurrence further enhance its applicability for a broad spectrum of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue digging

Directly states the continuation of the act of digging, lacking the idiomatic feel of "dig away".

excavate

Focuses solely on the physical removal of material, lacking the sense of continued effort.

unearth

Implies discovery alongside the removal of earth, adding a nuance of finding something valuable.

delve into

Shifts the focus to investigation or research, moving away from physical digging.

probe

Suggests a more careful or investigative approach to uncovering information.

investigate thoroughly

Replaces the digging metaphor with a direct expression of detailed examination.

work tirelessly

Emphasizes the continuous effort aspect of "dig away", but without the excavating connotation.

persist

Highlights the perseverance in the action, omitting the sense of physical or intellectual exploration.

plow through

Captures the idea of moving forcefully through something, but with a different imagery.

toiling away

Stresses the labor-intensive and often tedious nature of the work, adding an element of drudgery.

FAQs

How can I use "dig away" in a sentence?

You can use "dig away" to describe physically excavating something, as in "They used shovels to "dig away" the snow", or figuratively, as in "Researchers continue to "dig away" at the problem to find a solution".

What does "dig away" mean?

"Dig away" means to continue digging or working diligently and persistently, often to uncover or reveal something. It can apply to both physical digging and metaphorical investigation.

What are some phrases similar to "dig away"?

Similar phrases include "delve into", "unearth", "excavate", or "investigate thoroughly", all conveying the idea of persistent effort to find or uncover something.

Is "dig away" formal or informal?

"Dig away" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both informal and formal contexts, depending on the specific usage. It is frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversation.