dig into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dig into" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an instance of examining (or analyzing) something in detail. For example, "I plan to dig into the report to see if I can find any discrepancies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dig into the desserts.

The New York Times

Fingernails dig into flesh.

The Guardian - Film

Dig into all our savings?

The New York Times

You've really got to dig into that.

The New York Times

My skates don't dig into the ice".

The New York Times - Sports

The contest does dig into the psyche.

The New York Times - Arts

Go ahead, dig into that tiramisù.

The New York Times - Food

Then, dig into them — and deploy some countermeasures.

The New York Times

You better dig into them and prove me wrong".

The New Yorker

He just wanted to dig into the volcano.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's whether you like to dig into things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dig into" when you want to emphasize a thorough investigation or enthusiastic consumption. It adds a sense of active engagement to your writing.

Common error

While "dig into" is versatile, it can sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "investigate" or "analyze" for a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dig into" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "dig" with the preposition "into". It primarily acts as a dynamic verb, signifying action, whether that action is a thorough investigation or the enthusiastic start of eating. As per Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dig into" is a versatile phrasal verb signifying both thorough investigation and enthusiastic consumption. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While its register leans towards neutral, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "analyze" or "investigate" in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, as per Ludwig examples, reflecting its common usage in general writing. Remember to employ "dig into" when you want to convey active engagement and depth in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delve into

Focuses on researching or exploring something deeply, similar to "dig into" but emphasizes academic or investigative effort.

sink your teeth into

Suggests tackling something with gusto and enthusiasm, very similar to "dig into" when referring to tackling a task.

explore in detail

Focuses on a thorough and comprehensive exploration, mirroring the investigative aspect of "dig into".

investigate thoroughly

Stresses a comprehensive examination to uncover facts or details, akin to one meaning of "dig into".

scrutinize

Emphasizes a critical and detailed examination, much like "dig into" when used for uncovering hidden issues.

immerse oneself in

Highlights complete engagement or involvement, similar to "dig into" when referring to passionate study or activity.

get to the bottom of

Indicates a determination to find the root cause of something, aligning with the investigative sense of "dig into".

plunge into

Suggests starting something with enthusiasm and energy, akin to "dig into" when implying eagerness.

make inroads into

Highlights the beginning stages of exploring something new, alike to "dig into" but focuses on the first steps.

devour

Implies consuming something enthusiastically, similar to the "eating" sense of "dig into".

FAQs

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

You can use "dig into" to describe researching something thoroughly, as in "I need to "delve into" the financial reports". It can also mean to start eating enthusiastically, like "Let's "sink our teeth into" this delicious meal".

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

"Look into" implies a preliminary investigation, while "dig into" suggests a more thorough and in-depth examination. If you're just starting to explore a topic, "look into" is appropriate; if you're conducting a comprehensive analysis, use "dig into".

What can I say instead of "dig into" when referring to research?

Alternatives include "investigate thoroughly", ""delve into"", or "scrutinize". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dig into" in a business presentation?

It depends on the audience and the context. In a formal presentation, consider using more professional terms like "analyze" or "examine". However, in a more casual setting, "dig into" can add a sense of enthusiasm and engagement.