dig out

USAGE SUMMARY

"dig out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally means to extract something from a position which is difficult to reach or access. For example, "I had to dig out the spare key from the bottom of my drawer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or just dig out those pumps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The New York Times

Yngve arrives, helps us dig out, then gets stuck himself.

The Guardian - Travel

Dig out those Diane Von Furstenberg tributes now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dig out rows of dirt.

WikiHow

Dig out any filling, if applicable.

WikiHow

Dig out your credit card statement.

WikiHow

Dig out the plants by the roots.

WikiHow

Dig out last year's greeting cards.

WikiHow

Dig out and choose four pairs of earrings.

WikiHow

Fill in or dig out areas as necessary.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dig out" to mean retrieve, consider the context. Is it a physical object, information, or a solution to a problem? Tailor your sentence to reflect the specific nature of what's being retrieved.

Common error

While "dig out" is common, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "retrieve", "extract", or "unearth" to maintain a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dig out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It is used to describe the action of removing something by digging, or more broadly, to retrieve or uncover something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid phrase, appearing in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

38%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dig out" is a versatile phrasal verb meaning to physically remove something by digging, or to retrieve something that is difficult to access. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and commonly used phrase, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided. While generally neutral to informal in register, it is frequently found in contexts like news and media, as well as wiki content. When writing formally, consider stronger synonyms such as "retrieve" or "excavate". Remember to tailor your word choice to fit the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unearth

Focuses on uncovering something hidden, often with an implication of discovery.

excavate

Implies a more deliberate and methodical process of digging, often in an archaeological context.

retrieve

Highlights the act of getting something back, possibly after a period of loss or inaccessibility.

extract

Emphasizes the process of removing something, often with some difficulty, from a larger mass.

uncover

Stresses the act of revealing something that was previously hidden or unknown.

disinter

Specifically refers to digging up something that was buried, such as a body.

root out

Suggests a thorough search to find and remove something, often something undesirable.

ferret out

Implies a clever or persistent search to find something hidden.

draw out

Focuses on eliciting information or bringing something to light through questioning or investigation.

get out

Simple phrase that highlights removal, but is less specific than "dig out".

FAQs

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

You can use "dig out" to describe physically removing something from a confined space, like "I had to dig out my car after the snowstorm". It can also mean to retrieve something, like "I need to dig out my old notes for the exam".

What can I say instead of "dig out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unearth", "retrieve", or "extract".

Is "dig out" formal or informal?

"Dig out" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "dig out" and "excavate"?

"Dig out" generally refers to a simple act of uncovering or removing something. "Excavate" implies a more careful and systematic digging process, often in an archaeological or construction context.