dig back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dig back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of searching for or recalling past information or memories. Example: "I need to dig back into my notes from last semester to find that important information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Dig back through history and you'll see what I mean.

Independent

She flashed a startled, grateful smile, before suiting up to dig back into the song.

The New York Times - Arts

Use the same technique to dig back into the slope for the remaining steps.

The New York Times

Dig back further and one found creatures, like the animals from Montmartre, that had no obvious modern counterparts.

The New Yorker

So there is hope for the Yankees, even if they have to dig back eight years to find it.

The New York Times

For this issue, we dig back in our archives to showcase the Cowles 50th Anniversary Celebration held on Friday and Saturday, June 3-4 , 1983

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Then they dug back in.

The New Yorker

But she dug back in.

The New York Times - Arts

Digging back through the masses of email.

Cornell University

They dug in and we dug back".

The New York Times - Sports

We dug back through our archives to see how The Washington Post covered the historic moment.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dig back" when you want to emphasize the effort involved in retrieving information from the past. It suggests a more active and deliberate search than simply "looking back".

Common error

While "dig back" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "research", "review", or "reexamine" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dig back" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "dig" with the adverb "back" to create a new meaning, referring to the act of searching for something in the past, whether it be memories, information, or resources. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dig back" functions as a phrasal verb that conveys the idea of actively searching or recalling something from the past. As Ludwig AI correctly states, it is usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, and it carries a neutral tone. While grammatically sound and commonly used, remember to consider your audience and context. In more formal or scientific settings, alternatives like "research", "revisit", or "reexamine" may be more appropriate. Use "dig back" when you specifically want to highlight the effort and deliberate nature of the retrieval process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recall

Highlights the act of bringing something back to mind.

look back

A general term for remembering or considering the past.

revisit

Focuses on going back to something, often for review or reconsideration.

review

Implies a formal assessment or examination of something.

reexamine

Emphasizes a careful and thorough review of something previously examined.

delve into

Suggests a thorough and detailed investigation.

retrace

Highlights the act of going back over a path or series of events.

research

Focuses on a systematic investigation to discover or revise facts.

search the archives

Suggests a formal search through historical records.

reminisce

Centers on recalling pleasant past experiences.

FAQs

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

You can use "dig back" when you need to revisit or recall something from the past, for example, "I need to "dig back" into my notes to find that information."

What can I say instead of "dig back"?

You can use alternatives like "look back", "revisit", or "recall" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dig back" or "look back"?

Both "dig back" and "look back" are correct. "Dig back" implies a more active and deliberate search, while "look back" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use "dig back"?

"Dig back" is suitable when you want to emphasize the effort or thoroughness of recalling or researching something. It's common in informal and some news contexts, but less so in formal academic writing.