dig for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dig for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of searching for or trying to find something. You can use it in a sentence such as: "The archaeologist had to dig for hours to uncover the ancient artifacts buried beneath the sand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dig for victory.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I dig for facts.

The New Yorker

Dig for root causes.

Harvard Business Review

"You can dig for him there".

The New York Times

It makes you dig for significance.

The New York Times - Travel

Anything they cannot reach they dig for.

The Guardian

Now go forth and dig for treasure.

The Guardian - Music

You have to dig for that.

The Washington Post

And then you dig for records.

The Guardian - Travel

And dig for death, in dellicatest dishes.

The New Yorker

They had to dig for potable water.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dig for" figuratively, ensure the context clearly indicates the effort and thoroughness involved in the search or investigation. For example, "He had to "dig for" the truth amidst conflicting reports."

Common error

Avoid using "dig for" when a simpler term like "look for" or "search for" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or forced in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dig for" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of searching or excavating, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dig for" is a versatile phrasal verb that signifies a thorough and often challenging search, whether literal or figurative. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and enjoys widespread usage, especially in news, wiki, and science-related writing. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to be mindful of the tone, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings. By understanding its connotations of effort and persistence, you can effectively use "dig for" to add depth and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for

Focuses more on the act of looking, while "dig for" implies more effort and persistence.

look for

Is a more general term for seeking something, lacking the intensity implied by "dig for".

unearth

Suggests uncovering something hidden or buried, similar to the literal sense of "dig for".

seek out

Emphasizes intentionality and effort in finding something specific.

delve into

Indicates a deep and thorough exploration of a topic or subject, more figurative than literal digging.

ferret out

Implies cleverness or persistence in discovering something hidden or secret.

investigate

Implies a more formal and structured inquiry compared to the general searching in "dig for".

mine for

Implies extracting something valuable from a source, similar to the literal sense of "dig for" in mining.

excavate

Refers specifically to digging and removing material, often in an archaeological context.

root around

Suggests a less organized and more haphazard search, often among many items.

FAQs

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

You can use "dig for" in sentences like, "The reporter had to "dig for" the facts to uncover the scandal", or "The dog loves to "dig for" bones in the backyard".

What is a good alternative to "dig for" when searching for information?

Alternatives to "dig for" when referring to searching for information include "research", "investigate", or "delve into", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dig for" in formal writing?

Yes, "dig for" can be used in formal writing, especially when emphasizing the effort and thoroughness required in finding something. However, consider alternatives like "investigate" or "research" if a more neutral tone is desired.

What's the difference between "dig for" and "look for"?

"Dig for" implies a more intensive and persistent search than "look for". "Look for" suggests a simple search, while "dig for" suggests effort in uncovering something that is not readily apparent.