dig up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dig up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to uncovering or discovering information, often after searching or investigating. Example: "After hours of research, I was able to dig up some interesting facts about the history of the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

6. Dig up the pig.

The New York Times

I dig up gardens.

The New Yorker

I'd have to dig up my tools.

The New Yorker

"Everybody will dig up everything they can dig up," Mr. Gingrich said.

The New York Times

Go dig up Davy Jones's locker!

The Guardian - Film

Let them dig up your bulbs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd like to dig up some more.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dig up feedback from past end users.

Harvard Business Review

Some people just dig up the negatives.

The Guardian - Sport

"Sometimes city workers dig up the plants.

The New York Times

(Dig up the overlooked 1997 album "Personal Standards").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dig up" when you want to emphasize the effort or investigation involved in finding something, whether it's information or a physical object. For instance, "Reporters tried to dig up information about the scandal."

Common error

Avoid using "dig up" in highly formal writing, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "unearth" or "excavate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dig up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "dig" with the preposition "up" to create a new meaning, indicating the act of uncovering something, whether physical or informational. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's recognized and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "dig up" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of uncovering something, physically or informationally. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in English. While generally neutral in tone, "dig up" is more common in news, media and wiki-based sources than formal academic writing. For formal writing styles, alternatives like "unearth" or "excavate" are more appropriate. Its frequent use across diverse contexts underscores its relevance in contemporary English communication. It's important to understand the nuances of "dig up" in order to apply it correctly within different writing styles and scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unearth

Focuses on revealing something hidden, often with effort.

excavate

Implies a careful and systematic removal of earth to find something.

discover

Highlights the act of finding something, often unexpectedly.

uncover

Suggests removing a covering to reveal something.

bring to light

Emphasizes making something known or public.

ferret out

Implies persistent searching to find something hidden or secret.

root out

Suggests removing something undesirable by finding its source.

turn up

Indicates finding something unexpectedly or after a search.

delve into

Implies a thorough investigation or examination.

look into

Suggests a careful examination or investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "dig up" to mean either to physically excavate something, as in "dig up potatoes", or to discover information, often after a search, such as "dig up dirt on a political opponent".

What can I say instead of "dig up"?

Alternatives to "dig up" include "unearth", "excavate", "discover", or "uncover" depending on the specific context.

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

While "dig up" is widely understood, it might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "unearth" or "discover" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "dig up" and "unearth"?

"Dig up" generally implies a more active or investigative process of finding something, while "unearth" often suggests revealing something that was previously hidden. The nuance lies in the degree of effort and intention.