dig oneself out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dig oneself out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of extricating oneself from a difficult situation or problem. Example: "After making several poor financial decisions, he had to work hard to dig himself out of debt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Considering that most companies — even in the developing world — only accept scholarship and job applications via email, not having access to the Internet is tantamount to not having the means to dig oneself out of poverty.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Please dig him out!

The New York Times

We could dig it out".

The New York Times - Magazine

Time to dig them out?

The New York Times

Dig it out!

WikiHow

Dig out (take all wet bits out) every 2-4 weeks.

WikiHow

Dig out those Diane Von Furstenberg tributes now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or just dig out those pumps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He can high-point or dig out a low throw.

The New York Times

Time to dig out my huge collection of Ken Oberkfell paraphernalia.

The New York Times

Dig out rows of dirt.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dig oneself out" when emphasizing the effort and personal agency required to overcome a challenging situation, especially one involving a gradual process.

Common error

Avoid using "dig oneself out" in trivial situations; it's best reserved for scenarios involving significant effort or hardship. Simple mistakes don't usually warrant such a strong phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dig oneself out" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the action of extricating oneself from a difficult situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and readily understood in English. The phrase necessitates effort and personal agency.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dig oneself out" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe the act of extricating oneself from a difficult situation. As Ludwig AI notes, its usage, while not extremely common, is valid and appropriate. The phrase appears in news and media and wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. When using "dig oneself out", focus on scenarios involving substantial effort and personal agency to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extricate oneself

Emphasizes a more formal and deliberate removal from a difficult or dangerous situation.

recover from a setback

Focuses on the process of returning to a normal or better state after experiencing difficulties.

bounce back from adversity

Highlights resilience and the ability to return to a good condition after facing challenges.

overcome obstacles

Stresses the act of successfully dealing with and moving past barriers or difficulties.

get back on one's feet

Implies regaining stability and independence after a period of hardship.

work one's way out

Focuses on the effort and actions taken to escape a challenging situation.

pull oneself up by one's bootstraps

Suggests self-reliance and using one's own resources to improve one's situation.

turn the corner

Indicates a significant improvement or a change for the better in a difficult situation.

rise above a challenge

Emphasizes overcoming a difficult situation through strength and determination.

break free from a predicament

Highlights the act of escaping or liberating oneself from a troublesome situation.

FAQs

How can I use "dig oneself out" in a sentence?

Use "dig oneself out" when you want to emphasize the effort required to escape a difficult or challenging situation. For example: "After making several poor financial decisions, he had to work hard to dig oneself out of debt."

What are some alternatives to "dig oneself out"?

You can use alternatives like "extricate oneself", "recover from a setback", or "overcome obstacles" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dig oneself out" in formal writing?

Yes, "dig oneself out" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing a significant effort to overcome adversity. However, consider alternatives like "extricate oneself" for an even more formal tone.

What kind of situations are best described with "dig oneself out"?

"Dig oneself out" is best used for situations where someone is actively working to escape a difficult situation, such as financial hardship, professional setbacks, or personal struggles. It emphasizes the agency and effort involved in the process.